Vol. 516 No. 4
98 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded and paid a carer's allowance in view of the fact the application has been ongoing for a number of months. [8361/00]
The person concerned applied for the carer's allowance on 29 December 1999. The principal condition for receipt of this allowance is that full-time care and attention is required and being provided. The person concerned is currently employed on a community employment scheme for 39 hours per fortnight.
In the Social Welfare Act, 1999, I made provision that carers can undertake employment for up to ten hours per week while retaining their allowance. Participation in community employment schemes is however outside the scope of this provision.
Her application was refused on the basis that her employment is for more than ten hours per week. She was notified of this decision on 3 March and of her right to appeal to the Independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
