Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
77. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the evidentiary requirements for carer’s allowance applications and reviews; if he will examine whether carers are being asked to repeatedly provide medical or supporting documents already held by the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45626/26]
View answerCarer'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.
My Department is committed to ensuring that only those people who are eligible receive welfare and other payments. The objective is to ensure that we pay the right people, the right amount, through the right scheme or programme, at the right time.
CA cases have a number of complex qualifying conditions. In considering applications for CA, evidence must be provided in respect of the care recipient’s medical condition, the care needs of the care recipient and the provision of care conditions by the carer, the carer's means and habitual residency conditionality.
Some applications require more detailed interaction with the customer and this can lead to further information requests. The Department seeks to use existing records wherever possible so customers are not asked to provide the same details twice.
The ambition to process applications and reviews quickly must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent, of high quality, and made in accordance with the legislative provisions, and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
Operational processes, procedures, and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised, and repeated requests for information are minimised to avoid any undue stress to the customer.
If there is a specific case that the Deputy would like examined, the Department would be glad to assist.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
