Thomas P. Broughan
Question:181 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in hearing an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to a carer's allowance. [13067/01]
Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned claimed carer's allowance in respect of her husband who is in receipt of invalidity pension, including an increase in respect of her. The application for carer's allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer in October 2000 on the grounds that the care recipient, her husband, was not in need of full-time care and attention. The person concerned appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office. At issue is the question as to whether the person being cared for requires full-time care and attention as provided for under the terms of the scheme. Further review of the medical evidence was considered necessary and, following this review the appeals officer decided that an oral hearing of the appeal should be held. Because of the number of appeals requiring oral hearing, it was not possible to arrange this before. Arrangements were made for the appeal to be heard by the appeals officer on the next visit to the area. Under social welfare legislation, decisions on 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.