P. J. Sheehan
Question:742 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an oral hearing for her carer's allowance appeal. [24331/00]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person's application for carer's allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that the care recipient, her husband, was not regarded as being in need of full-time care and attention. The person concerned appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and submitted further medical evidence.
Following consideration of the evidence by the Department's chief medical adviser an appeals officer has decided that an oral hearing of the appeal is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible.
The care recipient was awarded disability allowance with effect from 10 May 2000 at the weekly rate of £190.50 which includes increases in respect of his wife and five children.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.