Michael Ring
Question:221 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and paid a carer's allowance. [12823/01]
Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.
An application for a carer's allowance from the person concerned was received by my Department on 13 November 2000.
Regarding her application, additional medical evidence was required in respect of both care recipients and considered by my Department's chief medical adviser. Having examined all the evidence provided, he expressed the opinion that neither care recipient was so disabled as to require full-time care and attention. Having regard to this assessment the application was refused. The person concerned appealed the decision in respect of one of the care recipients and submitted additional medical evidence. No appeal was lodged in respect of the other care recipient. This additional medical evidence was referred to my Department's medical adviser for consideration on 2 May 2001. On receipt of the medical adviser's report, her application will be further considered and she will be notified of the outcome. If the original decision remains unchanged, her case will be referred immediately to an appeals officer for determination. 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.