Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
247. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to a carer's allowance review in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2061/19]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
Once claims are in payment, my Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
In order to continue to receive CA, the carer must be providing full-time care and attention.
Following a home visit by a social welfare inspector (SWI), the SWI reported that full-time care and attention was not being provided to the care recipient.
On 19 November 2018 a deciding officer wrote to the person concerned advising her that her claim was under review which could result in the payment being terminated and affording her an opportunity to submit any statement or evidence she wished to have considered.
On 26 November 2018 the person concerned was notified that CA would cease from 28 November 2018, the reason for this decision and of her right of review and appeal.
Further information was received by my Department on 18 December 2018 from the person concerned, seeking a review of this decision. That review is currently underway and once complete, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
