Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an investigation into a carer's allowance payment will be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied); when the payment will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7888/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer'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.
CA was in payment to the person concerned from 2 January 2014. Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
A review commenced in this case in 2017. As part of this review the matter was referred to a social welfare inspector (SWI).
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the person concerned had not fully disclosed her means to the Department.
The person concerned was notified on 27 October 2017 that because of this her payment was being suspended from 2 November 2017.
On 17 November 2017 the SWI contacted the person concerned requesting her to furnish documents. On 5 December 2017 the SWI received some documents and a letter from the person concerned requesting further time to furnish the outstanding documents. To date no further documents have been furnished.
Enquiries by the SWI are continuing. Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
