Dara Calleary
Question:436. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of the CLÁR programme. [22892/19]
View answerCLÁR Programme
Questions (436)
Written answers
The CLÁR programme is an important part of the Action Plan for Rural Development and the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration Programme. CLÁR provides funding for small capital projects in rural areas which have suffered high levels of population decline.
The programme was first launched in October 2001 and the areas originally selected for inclusion in CLÁR were those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996. The Cooley Peninsula was also included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused in that area by Foot and Mouth disease. The average population loss in the original CLÁR regions over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by the NIRSA Institute at Maynooth University and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002.
The CLÁR programme was closed for new applications in 2010. However, I re-launched the programme in the second half of 2016, using as a base-line the areas identified in the work carried out by NIRSA. Over 1,200 projects have been approved for funding of more than €25 million under CLÁR since I re-launched the programme in 2016.
I have initiated a review of the CLÁR programme which will examine CLÁR areas by reference to the 2016 Census of Population data. It will also consider whether there are any other factors that should be taken into account in designating areas for eligibility under CLÁR in the future.
The review process began in November last with a targeted consultation meeting with a number of experts recognised for their background in rural development issues. Following on from this, my officials have been in contact with NIRSA with regard to carrying out a detailed analysis of the most recent Census data to further inform the review process.
I envisage that a wider stakeholder consultation will also take place before the review is completed. Once completed, the review will help to inform the design of future CLÁR programmes.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
Questions (437)
Dara Calleary
Question:437. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made with the implementation of the Action Plan for Rural Development to date; when the next progress report will issue; and the status of the pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages as committed to under the plan. [22893/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Action Plan for Rural Development was published in January 2017 as a whole-of-Government initiative to support the economic and social progress of rural Ireland.
The coordinated approach of the Action Plan is achieving benefits in terms of increased employment in the regions and increased investment in projects and communities across the country. Since 2015, there has been an increase of over 146,000 in the number of people employed in regions outside of Dublin, surpassing the Government’s target of 135,000 extra jobs by 2020.
The level of investment being made in rural Ireland is also unprecedented. Thousands of projects have been supported by my Department alone since the start of 2017, with further investment across Government also benefitting rural communities in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism and transport. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which was launched last year, will provide €1 billion for rural development over the period 2019-2027.
Progress Reports on the implementation of the Action Plan for Rural Development are published twice a year on my Department’s website, www.drcd.gov.ie. The Third Progress Report was published in November 2018 and outlined the progress which took place between January and June 2018. Of the 275 actions reported on, 266 had been completed or were substantially advanced. The Fourth Progress Report, focusing on activity between July and December 2018, was approved on 22 May by the Monitoring Committee which oversees the Action Plan, and will be published in the coming weeks.
The Action Plan for Rural Development includes a commitment to developing a pilot scheme to encourage increased residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. In October 2018, I announced that six rural towns (Boyle in Co. Roscommon, Callan in Co. Kilkenny, Ballinrobe in Co. Mayo, Banagher in Co. Offaly, Castleblayney in Co. Monaghan, Cappoquin in Co. Waterford) would participate in the pilot scheme.
Funding of up to €100,000 is being made available to each of the towns to develop proposals to encourage town centre living. This funding will be used by the Local Authorities to engage with communities and local businesses, and identify practical solutions to increase the number of people living in their towns.
I am expecting to receive a report from each of the relevant Local Authorities next month on the progress they have made. It is envisaged that the solutions identified through this pilot could lead to the development of more substantive proposals for funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in due course.
Disability Allowance Payments
Questions (438)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:438. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an overpayment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22367/19]
View answerWritten answers
This lady was awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 26 June 2002. The debt in question occurred as the person concerned had means which was not disclosed to my Department from 11 August 2004 to 2 August 2005.
The Department is obliged to recoup any debt owing to it and the method of recovery, and negotiations regarding the amount recoverable, are dealt with under the Department’s code of practice. The original debt amounted to €14,977.20 and the current balance is €2,317.20. The person concerned is currently repaying €20 per week.
The repayment of debt to the department is governed by guidelines. Those guidelines allow for the means and other circumstances of the debtor to be taken into account in deciding upon an appropriate recovery plan. If the person concerned wishes my Department to consider reducing the amount of weekly repayment, they should apply in writing to DA section and include as much information as possible about their weekly outgoings. On receipt of this information, a deciding officer will review the current recovery amount.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications Waiting Times
Questions (439)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:439. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive notice regarding their application for disability allowance which was confirmed as having been received by the HSE on 10 January 2019. [22285/19]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that an application from this lady for disability allowance (DA) was received by my Department on 8 January 2019.
The application was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. The SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section on 7 May 2019.
Further medical evidence was received from the person concerned on 25 March 2019 and on 2 May 2019 and this is being reviewed by a deciding officer (DO). After the DO has considered all the evidence provided, they will make a decision on the application and this lady will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Working Family Payment Waiting Times
Questions (440)
Brendan Howlin
Question:440. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a working family payment by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22291/19]
View answerWritten answers
Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children.
An application for WFP was received from the person concerned on 13 March 2019. In order to process their application, further information is required from them. The Department wrote to the person concerned on 16 May 2019 to request additional details.
On receipt of the requested information from the person concerned, their WFP application will be processed without delay and they will be notified of the decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tús Programme
Questions (441)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:441. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider making changes to the Tús scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22292/19]
View answerWritten answers
Tús commenced operation in 2011 as a response to the high level of unemployment and the large numbers on the Live Register. It is a community work placement initiative which aims to provide short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. The duration of the Tús contract is a maximum of 12 months and this ensures that as many people as possible who are unemployed for over 12 months are able to benefit from the initiative.
It is recognised by Government that Tús is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for prospective future employment.
If a person is interested in pursuing a work placement with training and development opportunities, it is open to them to apply for a placement on a Community Employment (CE) scheme. CE participants between 21 and 55 years are entitled to one year on the programme, this can be extended by up to 2 more years if they are engaged in a recognised training or education award that is helping them progress towards employment. All CE participants age 55 and over can avail of 3 consecutive years on a CE scheme. The overall limit of participation on CE is 6 years from 1st January 2007 (7 years if on a disability payment).
Participants over age 62 are allowed to participate on a continuous basis up to the State Pension age on the CE Service Support Stream (SSS), subject to availability of places on the SSS, satisfactory performance on the scheme and to annual approval by the Department. The places allocated for these participants within each individual CE scheme are subject to limitation criteria.
Customers of my Department who are engaged with the JobPath service have, from 1st June 2018, the option of taking up a placement on Tús or CE while continuing to engage with the JobPath service. This ensures that jobseekers can benefit from the job-seeking support of the JobPath service while also availing of a part-time work placement provided by Tús or CE.
My Department will continue to review its activation programmes to ensure the best outcomes for participants. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services to individuals and communities across Ireland.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Payments
Questions (442)
Bernard Durkan
Question:442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a statement will issue in relation to all payments made to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22294/19]
View answerWritten answers
Carer'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.
A statement of CA payments from 2 January 2014 to 1 November 2017 was issued to the person concerned on 20 May 2019.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes Supervisors
Questions (443)
Niamh Smyth
Question:443. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review a matter (details supplied); if matters will be clarified in relation to the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22307/19]
View answerWritten answers
Community Employment (CE) is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves and obtaining valuable work experience for prospective future employment. This scheme helps to break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person’s chances of returning to the labour market.
CE schemes are typically sponsored by groups (known as sponsors) wishing to benefit the local community. My Department agrees participant numbers annually with each CE sponsor organisation who are responsible for the recruitment of participants and for identifying suitable work placements.
CE projects are entitled to a supervisor wage grant. The supervisor is responsible for developing an Individual Learner Plan for each participant employed on the project, and for its implementation. The level of supervision required depends on the circumstances pertaining to each particular CE scheme. Each application is examined on a case-by-case basis taking into account the particular circumstances.
Where a sponsor considers that the number of participants employed on a project warrants the hiring of additional supervision, an application for the additional resource should be submitted to the relevant Community Development Officer in my Department.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role supervisors play in their communities and of the valuable work undertaken by participants. If the Deputy would like to forward details of this particular case, I will ensure that it is followed up on.
Pension Provisions
Questions (444)
Niamh Smyth
Question:444. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the pension review in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22341/19]
View answerWritten answers
Since late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods.
The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate state pension (contributory) in 2016. Following award to their spouse of a higher rate increase for qualified adult on their spouse's pension, the state pension (contributory) of the person concerned was withdrawn, in favour of the higher payment.
The person concerned has 788 reckonable paid contributions, which combined with the maximum permissible number of HomeCaring periods and reckonable credits (1,040, as set out in legislation) results in a payment rate of 87.9% of the maximum rate of pension. The person is already in receipt of equivalent to 89.6% of the maximum rate of pension, (or €222.50 per week), so is better off to remain as a qualified adult on their spouse's pension.
A review outcome letter has issued to the person concerned, which includes a copy of their social insurance contribution record.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Questions (445)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:445. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22346/19]
View answerWritten answers
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The department received a claim for IP from the gentleman concerned on 01 March 2019. His claim was disallowed on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. He was notified on 20 May 2019 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (446)
Bernard Durkan
Question:446. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the result of the appeal against a decision to refuse a carer's allowance payment lodged in February 2019 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22347/19]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, has decided to disallow the carer's allowance appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Eligibility
Questions (447)
Seán Fleming
Question:447. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the procedures in place regarding the exchange of information arrangements between her Department and the Revenue Commissioners in relation to the P60s of people who are in receipt of a means tested payment such as carer's allowance for a number of years and in circumstances in which a person or their spouse’s income increases after taking up employment and the person continues to be in receipt of the carer's allowance; the reason her Department does not have a mechanism in place to have an exchange of information with the Revenue Commissioners in order that persons can be notified early in relation to possible non-entitlement to carer's allowance such as in cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22352/19]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means tested payment, made to people who are providing full-time care and attention to elderly people or to people with disabilities and whose income falls below certain limits. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test which applies is satisfied.
The means test is one of the least onerous in the social protection system. €332.50 of gross weekly income is disregarded in the calculation of means for a single person. The equivalent disregard for someone who is married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting is €665 of combined gross weekly income. This means that a couple under 66 with two children, earning a joint annual income of up to €35,400 can qualify for maximum payment Carer’s Allowance. A couple with combined income or earning €59,300 will still qualify for the minimum rate.
In addition a carer may, with the prior permission of the Department, engage in employment outside the home for up to 15 hours per week. The caree must be adequately cared for in the carer's absence. Income from this employment would be assessable as means if the aggregate of all income exceeds the relevant disregard amounts.
As with any other social welfare payment there is an onus on the individual in receipt of the payment to contact the Department of Employment Affairs Social Protection and advise of any change in their personal circumstances. There are a number circumstances and events which may affect a person’s entitlement to a Carer's Allowance, including a change in their means. It is also important to note that a change in circumstances could mean an increase in a social welfare payment or a person may be entitled to different social welfare payment.
Issues relating to the tax treatment of social welfare payments, including income contained on P60s, is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. There are however a number of social welfare payments including Carer’s Allowance which, depending on a person’s circumstances, may be liable to income tax. The Department of Employment Affairs Social Protection makes the payment to the individual without deducting tax. The Department does not give Revenue details of the taxable amount of the payment but does advise the individual to contact Revenue to confirm the taxable amount of the payment.
State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility
Questions (448)
Bernard Durkan
Question:448. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent of the State pension available to a person (details supplied) and his spouse; if both have an entitlement on foot of contributions; if each has an entitlement in their own right; the maximum pension to which they are entitled jointly or separately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22362/19]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned has been in receipt of a maximum rate state pension (contributory) with effect from their 66th birthday. Their current weekly rate of payment is €258.30, which includes an over age 80 increase of €10.00 per week. A qualified adult increase in respect of the claimant’s spouse is also in payment. This is a means tested payment, based on the means of the qualified adult. The rate of increase for qualified adult payable was reduced from the maximum rate of €222.50 to €119.10, with effect from 17 May 2019, following a means assessment review.
An application form for state pension (contributory) has been sent to the claimant’s spouse for completion if they wish to have their own personal entitlement assessed. On return, their eligibility to pension will be examined and they will be informed of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Child Benefit Eligibility
Questions (449)
Micheál Martin
Question:449. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has examined the impact of transition year on child benefit in view of the fact that parents have two full school years after child benefit is ceased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22364/19]
View answerWritten answers
Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children up to their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability. Child Benefit is currently paid, as of end-March 2019 to almost 632,000 families in respect of nearly 1.2 million children, with an estimated expenditure of more than €2 billion in 2018.
Given the universality of Child Benefit, extending entitlement to parents of full time students in second level education who are over 18 years of age would not be a targeted approach. The adoption of such a proposal would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
Families on low incomes may be able to avail of a number of social welfare schemes that support children in full-time education until the age of 22, including:
- Increase for a Qualified Child (IQCs) with primary social welfare payments;
- the Working Family Payment for low-paid employees with children;
- the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
These schemes provide targeted assistance that is directly linked to household income and thereby support low-income families with older children participating in full-time education.
Household Benefits Scheme
Questions (450)
Clare Daly
Question:450. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the reintroduction of the household benefits package for carers who do not live with the person they care for in view of the low level of financial support that they receive for such an important role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22396/19]
View answerWritten answers
The household benefits package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. My Department will spend approximately €248 million this year on HHB for over 440,000 customers. The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
From 1 April 2012, new applicants in receipt of Carers Allowance who are not living with the person for whom they provide care are not entitled to the household benefits package. Carers who live with the person they are caring for still have an entitlement of their own to the household benefits package and do not have to satisfy the household composition criteria.
The Government values the role of carers very much and it is for this reason that they receive significant income supports from the Department. In addition to carer’s allowance carers receive additional support in the form of free travel and household benefits (for those who live with the person for whom they care) and the annual carers support grant (€1700) in respect of each person for whom they care. Where a person is in receipt of certain qualifying social welfare payments, and also providing full time care and attention to another person, they can keep their primary social welfare payment and also get the half-rate carer's allowance.
Any decision to change the qualifying criteria for HHB would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Illness Benefit Waiting Times
Questions (451)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:451. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an illness benefit application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22401/19]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from this gentleman on 11 March 2019. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.
The person concerned applied for Illness Benefit on 15th January 2019 and was informed that he was not entitled to payment as he does not satisfy the contribution conditions, one of which is that a person must have 39 weeks of PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, which in this case is 2017.
According to the Department's records, the person concerned does not have any paid contributions in the relevant tax year.
If he believes he has further contributions that are not reflected in the Department's records, he should supply the Department with evidence of this from his employer and his entitlement to Illness Benefit will be reviewed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Fuel Allowance Eligibility
Questions (452)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:452. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding allowances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22408/19]
View answerWritten answers
The fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €630 each year) from October to April, to over 375,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €240 million in 2019. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance under the Household benefits scheme at an estimated cost of €187 million in 2019. This is paid at a rate of €35 per month, 12 months of the year. This comes to €420 per annum, or €8 per week, plus free TV licence, travel etc. It's worth noting that Jobseekers Allowance is not a qualifying payment for this benefit, nor the other benefits available under the Household Benefits scheme.
The Government values the role of carers very much and it is for this reason that they receive significant income supports from the Department. In addition to carer’s allowance carers receive additional support in the form of free travel and household benefits (for those who live with the person for whom they care) and the annual carers support grant (€1700) in respect of each person for whom they care.
If a person is getting certain qualifying social welfare payments and also providing full time care and attention to another person, they can keep their main social protection payment and get the half-rate carer's allowance as well. They can also receive an extra half-rate carer’s allowance if they care for more than one person.
The maximum rates of Carer's Allowance, at €219 for where one person is being cared for, and €328.50 where there are two or more carees, is significantly higher than that for Jobseekers Allowance, which is €203 for those aged 26, and lower for younger claimants. In addition to this higher rate, the means test for Carer's Allowance is very significantly more generous than that which applies to Jobseekers Allowance, which widens further the gap in payments between Carers and Jobseekers. Also, Fuel Allowance is a household-based payment, and a Carer will very often live with and be caring for a person with a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance. A similar household, where the person received Jobseekers Allowance instead of Carers Allowance, would have the same rate of Fuel Allowance, as only one payment is permitted per household.
It would not be accurate, therefore, to suggest that those in receipt of Carer's Allowance are in a less advantageous position than those paid Jobseekers Allowance. Even when the more generous means test is not taken into account, and even during the Fuel Allowance season, the payments made to Carer's Allowance recipients, including Electricity/Gas payments, are higher than those made to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance.
It should also be noted that the payment of half-rate carer’s allowance does not preclude a person from qualifying for fuel allowance. If a person is in receipt of a non-contributory social welfare payment and a half-rate carer’s allowance, then they are deemed to have satisfied the means test and fuel allowance is payable subject to all remaining criteria being satisfied. If a person is in receipt of a contributory social welfare payment and a half-rate carer’s allowance then they will have to undergo a means test for fuel allowance.
Any decision to amend the criteria for receiving fuel allowance to include carer’s allowance as a qualifying payment would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources and this may include exceptional heating cost.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (453)
Willie Penrose
Question:453. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carer's allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22416/19]
View answerWritten answers
Carer'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.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 2 July 2018.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied for the care recipient.
The person concerned was notified on 12 September 2018 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
According to the records of the Department, he has not exercised either right of review or appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.