Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
919. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24013/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer'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 increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
Applications for CA were received from the person concerned on 15 March 2019, in respect of his parents.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
As the applicant is engaged in farming the matter was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) on 2 April 2019 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.
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.
