41. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when she will make a decision on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the domiciliary care allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3627/16]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 24th November 2015. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Following receipt of this opinion, a decision will be made by a Deciding Officer and notified to the person concerned. It can currently take 12 weeks to process an application for DCA.