1271. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision is likely on a carer’s allowance application (details supplied) made on 20 May 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31615/24]

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.

I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 17 August 2023.

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires on-going care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age.

DCA must be in payment in order for a care provider to be eligible for CA in respect of a care recipient under 16.  In this case as DCA was not in payment in respect of the care recipient, a Deciding Officer decided that the person concerned was not entitled to CA.

The person concerned was notified on 18 October 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.

As DCA has now been awarded in respect of the care recipient, the case was reviewed and CA is awarded effective from 7 September 2023.

The person concerned was notified on 11 July 2024  of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.