Wednesday, 17 Jan 2024

Written Answers Nos. 941-960

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (941)

Denis Naughten

Question:

941. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 12 December 2023, regarding the European Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/2337 of 28 November 2022 concerning the European schedule of occupational diseases, if she has responded to the request set out in Article 4 on Covid-19 caused by work in disease prevention, in health and social care and in domiciliary assistance, or, in a pandemic context; if she will publish a copy of this response; if these provisions also pertain to those who have not recovered following a Covid-19-related illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1033/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The European Commission made a non-binding recommendation  for each individual Member State on the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational disease.  The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to long COVID.

I recently published and laid a report before the Oireachtas entitled ‘Report on measures to include long COVID in the Occupational Injuries Benefit Regulations’.  This report found that COVID-19 does not meet the criteria for recognition as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.  A copy of the report can be found at: gov.ie - Report on the measures to include long COVID in the Occupational Injuries Benefit regulations – November 2023 (www.gov.ie).

Specifically, presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment where infection rates are low.  The statutory criteria for Occupational Injuries Benefit specify that the disease or injury was caused as a risk of the person’s occupation and is not a risk outside of that profession.  Community transmission became dominant by the summer of 2020.  Therefore, it has not been possible since then to establish with confidence a general assumption that the disease has been contracted through their occupation and not through community transmission.

It is important to note that even if Ireland did recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long COVID and would only apply to new claims for new cases of COVID-19.  Thus, it would not benefit those who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.

The report suggests that the Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees is the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support for healthcare workers who have not recovered from a COVID-19 infection should be considered.

My department continues to provide a suite of income supports to those who cannot work due to illness and disability, including those who have not recovered following a COVID-19 related illness.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Data

Questions (942)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

942. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount spent on rent supplement in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1067/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Rent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme supporting 8,064 active recipients at the end of December 2023.  The provisional expenditure for rent supplement paid by the Department of Social Protection at end of December 2023 was almost €62.9 million.

The scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.  The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (943)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

943. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she spoke formally with her United States counterpart in 2023. [1092/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government, as well as in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025).

While I have not been in contact with my US counterpart directly during 2023, I look forward to engaging with the US Administration on issues as they arise and in particular on our bilateral social security agreement. 

Officials from my Department are in contact with their counterparts in the United States Social Security Administration and visits between them have occurred from time to time in respect of the bilateral social security agreement in place and other matters of mutual interest.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Policies

Questions (944)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

944. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the cost-of-living measures applied to certain social welfare payments, as announced in Budget 2024, were not available to persons on a disablement pension and unemployability supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1103/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Disablement Benefit is part of the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme.  This scheme caters for people injured or incapacitated by an accident at work or while travelling to or from work.  The scheme also covers people who have contracted a disease as a result of the type of work they do.

Disablement Benefit is a compensation payment and can be paid alongside other social welfare payments.  People in receipt of Disablement Pension (without another payment) can work, full or part-time.  Those who are unfit for work may qualify for Illness Benefit or another social welfare payment based on their social insurance contributions (PRSI).  Alternatively, they may qualify for Incapacity Supplement.

Payments under the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme, including Disablement Benefit, did not qualify for the once-off Cost of Living support payment in November 2023, because there are no limits to the amount that recipients can earn from work or they may already be in receipt of a supplement on an ongoing basis in the form of Incapacity Supplement. 

They are, however, eligible for other increases in payment rates and double-payments announced under Budget 2024.  Recipients of Disablement Benefit received the Christmas Bonus in early December and will receive the Cost-of-Living Bonus in late January, which both provide 100% increases in the weekly rate of payment for recipients.  The maximum rate of Disablement Benefit has also increased by €12 per week this month, with an additional €4 weekly increase for qualified children.  From January 2023, Disablement Benefit was disregarded from the means test for Fuel Allowance.  In November 2023, households getting the Fuel Allowance received a €300 cost-of-living lump sum payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Policies

Questions (945)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

945. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons in receipt of a disablement pension and unemployability supplement are not eligible to apply for the fuel allowance based on these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1104/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €382 million in 2024.  The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs.

The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct limited resources in as targeted a manner as possible.  This ensures that the Fuel Allowance payment goes to those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.

Disablement Benefit is a benefit under the Occupational Injuries Scheme.  It can be paid to a recipient who suffers a loss of physical or mental faculty because of an accident at work, an accident travelling directly to or from work, or a prescribed disease contracted at work.  The contribution requirements for the scheme are minimal when compared to other Departmental benefit schemes. 

People in receipt of Disablement Benefit (without another social welfare payment) can work full or part time and continue to receive the Benefit Payment – in other words, they are not prevented from generating additional income. 

Disablement Benefit can be paid at the same time as most social welfare payments including Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, State Pension and One-Parent Family Payment.  The payment is disregarded when assessing a household’s entitlement to Fuel Allowance.

Incapacity Supplement is an increase payable in addition to Disablement Benefit where a person is considered to be permanently incapable of work as a result of an occupational accident or disease and does not qualify for another Social Welfare benefit such as Illness Benefit.  This Incapacity Supplement is a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance.  

Therefore, while Disablement Benefit on its own is not a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance because a person may continue to work or take up work, or may receive another social welfare payment in parallel, qualification for Incapacity Supplement in addition to Disablement Benefit qualifies that recipient for Fuel Allowance (subject to satisfying all other qualifying criteria).

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (946)

John McGuinness

Question:

946. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a full State pension (contributory) as currently they are in receipt of a part payment; and if a record of their contributions will be provided. [1122/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned reached pension age on 2 October 2022. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 26 July 2022.

The person concerned has a total of 1027 reckonable contributions and 77 credits from their date of entry into insurable employment in 1973 to 2022 which equates to a yearly average of 23 contributions.  This gave entitlement to a reduced State Pension (contributory) of €236.10, which is approximately 85% of the maximum rate. A yearly average of 48 contributions is required to receive the maximum rate State Pension (contributory).

I have arranged for a copy of their insurance record to issue to the person concerned. If they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement can be reviewed.

It should be noted that it is also open to the person concerned to apply for the means-tested state pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory).   

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

School Meals Programme

Questions (947)

Peter Burke

Question:

947. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if a school (details supplied) can be considered for the hot meals programme due to roll-out shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1250/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them.  The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.  Following the expansion of the programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.

I am committed to continuing to expand the School Meals Programme and building further on the significant extension of the programme that has taken place in recent years.  As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of hot school meals.

Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children and late last year these schools were invited to participate in the Hot School Meals Programme from April 2024.

My officials advise me that no expression of interest was received from the school referred to by the Deputy at that time.  There will be an opportunity for this school and the other primary schools who had subsequently expressed an interest, to do so formally during this year.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Data

Questions (948)

Niall Collins

Question:

948. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection issued with PPSN's in 2023; the number of these now in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1279/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The total number of PPSNs issued to beneficiaries of temporary protection in 2022 was just over 33,800.

To date, my Department has issued almost 104,000 PPSNs to beneficiaries of temporary protection. Just over 68,000 of these are in respect of persons aged between 18 and 66 years.

Revenue records indicate that 24,256 individuals had an active employment under the Temporary Protection Directive since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis of which 17,074 are in active employment currently.

The Central Statistics Office publishes periodic reports on employment trends, with the latest available at the following link:  Arrivals from Ukraine in Ireland Series 11 - CSO - Central Statistics Office

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (949)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

949. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for a carers support grant by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1287/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Carer’s Support Grant (CSG) is an annual payment made to full-time carers who satisfy certain conditions.

The person claiming the Grant must:

• Be aged 16 or over and ordinarily resident in this State

• Care for the person on a full-time basis

• Care for the person for a continuous period of at least six months – this period must include the first Thursday in June 

• Live with the person being looked after, or this person can be contacted quickly by a direct system of communication (i.e., a telephone or alarm)

• Not be employed / self-employed for more than 18.5 hours per week

• Not be in receipt of, or entitled to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit or be signing for credited contributions

Additionally, the person being cared for must:

• Be so incapacitated as to need full-time care and attention

• Not normally live in a hospital, convalescent home, or another similar institution

• Not receive full-time care and attention within their own home from another person other than the person claiming the Grant

I confirm that my Department received an application for CSG from the person concerned on 21 December 2023.

The person concerned has been awarded a CSG for the years 2022 and 2023 in the amount of €1,850 for each year.  They have also been awarded the cost of living payment for 2022 in the amount of €500 and the cost of living payment for 2023 in the amount of €400.  The payments are due to be paid to the person's nominated post office and will be available for collection from 18 January 2024.  Notification of this decision has issued to the person concerned.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (950)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

950. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing can be facilitated regarding the recently submitted appeal for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1314/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.  Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. 

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 11th January 2024.  It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. 

When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.  The Appeals Officer will consider the Deputy's request for an oral hearing in this context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (951)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

951. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a full review can be undertaken into the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1326/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned reached pension age on 13 July 2015. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 27 July 2015.

There are a number of payments and pensions paid by my Department to people over State Pension Age.  One of these is the State Pension (Contributory), qualification for which is based on several criteria, including that of a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions.  For those who have paid the required contributions at a reckonable rate – including Class S (self-employed) - these will be used in the calculation of their entitlement. 

A self-employed contributor is not regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one year prior to reaching age 66.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 226 full-rate contributions. The self-employment contributions were paid after the person concerned turned 66 and are therefore not reckonable for inclusion in the pension calculation. Since their reckonable contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory). 

The person concerned sought a review of the decision to disallow the State Pension (contributory) in December 2019. Following the completion of the review, the person concerned was advised in writing in March 2020 that the decision to disallow State Pension (contributory) was upheld.

In June 2020, the person appealed the decision to disallow their State Pension (contributory). The Appeals Officer issued their decision in July 2020 disallowing the appeal.

Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a SPC or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:

• The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) (SPNC) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the SPC; or   

• An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate SPC pension where their spouse has a contributory pension. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (952)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

952. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a review in respect of a carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1327/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.  An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.

The person concerned is in receipt of CA for one care recipient since 12 October 2023.  A request for the back dating of this claim has been granted and the claim has been backdated to 13 April 2023.  This includes an increase for a Qualified Child.  Arrears from 13 April 2023 to 11 October 2023 issued on 9 January 2024.  The person concerned was notified of this decision on 9 January 2024, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal. 

An application for CA for a second care recipient was received on 12 October 2023 also.

It is a condition for receipt of 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 the second application was examined and the Deciding Officer (DO) 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 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision on 17 November 2023 and submitted additional evidence in support of their application.  Following this review, the decision has remained unchanged.  The person concerned was notified on 1 December 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal. 

A further review was initiated on foot of the last Parliamentary question received and the additional evidence received was examined.

In regard to the second care recipient, the decision remains unchanged.  The person concerned was notified on 9 January 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.

A request for appeal was received on 19 December 2023.  This is currently in progress and will be dealt with by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Departmental Data

Questions (953)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

953. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount expended on hearing aid grants under the treatment benefit scheme in 2023. [1357/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions. 

Expenditure on hearing aid grants under the treatment benefit scheme in 2023 was €25.6m.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (954)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

954. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a proposed change to a social welfare payment (details supplied) is expected to take effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1370/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The article referred to by the Deputy relates to Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers.

I recently secured the approval of Government to proceed with legislation for Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers.  This represents a major step in what will be a fundamental reform of the social welfare system which will align the rate of benefit with prior earnings. 

The weekly rate of payment for people who have at least five years of paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60% of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450, for the first three months.  After that, the rate will reduce to 55% of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375, for the following three months.  A further three months will be paid at the rate of 50% up to a maximum of €300 payment.

For persons who have between two and five years of paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50% of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €300 per week, and will be of six months' duration.

I have referred the general scheme of the draft legislation to give effect to Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands for pre-legislative scrutiny. 

My Department will work on the necessary arrangements to facilitate the introduction of this scheme in Quarter 4 of this year.  

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (955)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

955. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1375/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66.  This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I can confirm that my Department originally received an application for DA from the person concerned on 13 September 2023.

On 29 September 2023, the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on their eligibility. 

Requests for further information were sent to the person concerned on 7 November 2023 and 18 December 2023.  While some information was received, additional information had to be requested on 2 January 2024 to assist in assessing their eligibility to DA.  To date, this requested information has not been received. 

On receipt of this information, a decision will be made on their DA application and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (956)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

956. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is only receiving €188 per week when they have three children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1376/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66.  This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

My Department received correspondence from the person concerned on 27 October 2023, notifying of a change of circumstances regarding her DA.

Based on the information provided to my Department, the maximum personal rate of DA has been applied to their payment with effect from 11 October 2023.  The first payment of the new rate will be made by the person's chosen payment method on 17 January 2024.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 10 January 2024.

Arrears of payment due from 11 October 2023 to 16 January 2024 will issue as soon as possible, once any necessary adjustments are calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments (if applicable).

A further review is ongoing regarding the rate of payment for the qualified child allowance.  The person concerned will be notified in writing when a final decision is made.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (957)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

957. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if the terms for a welfare scheme (details supplied) will be expanded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1378/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the State pension age of 66.  The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at age 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66.

This support is provided for under the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme. To be eligible for the payment a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions of the scheme including the PRSI social insurance contribution requirements, which demonstrates a recent attachment to the workforce.  There are no plans to change the PRSI requirements for this scheme. 

A person who does not meet the conditions for Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds may be eligible for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Policies

Questions (958)

Carol Nolan

Question:

958. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of a so-called ‘Coming Clean Policy’ being implemented by her Department, whereby a person who entered the State illegally and/or unlawfully obtained a PPS number can have their situation ‘regularised’ with a new authentic PPSN provided to them if they ‘come clean’ on this matter; if she will investigate to ensure that this is not happening at any level of the social protection system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1413/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Non-EU/EEA citizens who apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) in Ireland are required to provide evidence of identity to my Department in the form of a passport, or in the alternative, an International Protection Office (IPO) Card issued by the International Protection Office, which is an agency of the Department of Justice.  A completed  form IPF1 must also accompany an application for a PPSN in such cases. 

Where, subsequent to the allocation of a PPSN, a person wishes to make a change to the information originally provided to the International Protection Office, the person is required to complete and submit a revised IPF1 form and IPO Card from the Department of Justice.  Notifications of revised identity details submitted by persons to the International Protection Office are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice. 

Following notification by the Department of Justice of new identity details submitted by a person who holds a PPSN, it may be appropriate for my Department to assign a new PPSN to the person concerned and close off the PPSN linked to their former identity.  In the event a new PPSN is assigned, my Department examines the implications of the PPSN assignment, including examination of continued entitlement to social welfare benefits that may be in payment, or rectification of social insurance records relating to previous periods of work. Where necessary, appropriate action will also be undertaken in relation to any overpayments of social welfare benefits which has arisen. 

Officials at my Department notify their counterparts at the Department of Justice in cases where a passport which results in an identity change is presented at my Department’s office in the first instance.    

Where minor changes to identity details are notified by the Department of Justice, my Department updates the records of the person concerned to reflect the change.  

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (959)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

959. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1424/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

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.

The Department has not received a CR1 application form from the person concerned.

A CR1 application form has been forwarded by post to the address of the person concerned, along with a return envelope for their convenience.

The person concerned will need to complete all the relevant sections and return to the address below at their earliest convenience:

Carer's Allowance, SWSO, Ballinalee Road, Longford.

A checklist is also included in the form which should be used to review the application before submitting same.

Further scheme conditions and as well as the CR1 application form itself can be found on www.gov.ie/dsp or through a local Intreo Office or Citizens Information centre.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (960)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

960. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for carers allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1425/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.  Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. 

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 15th August 2023.  It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. 

These papers were received on 7th November 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 15th November 2023, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.  The Appeals Officer has been contacted to expedite the appeal in this case. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.