145. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to urgently examine an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, given that all medical evidence has been submitted and the person has been waiting over five months for a social protection inspector to visit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1460/16]

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 5 June 2015. This application was refused on the grounds that he was not providing full-time care and attention as required. He was notified on 2 November 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.

The person concerned has appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). As part of the appeal, further information was provided regarding the number of weekly hours’ care being provided. The application was referred to a social welfare inspector (SWI) on 2 December 2015 to confirm whether the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported and all the necessary investigations have been completed the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.