Vol. 541 No. 2
821 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the date which has been set for hearing an appeal against a refusal of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a carer's allowance. [22174/01]
The person's application for carer's allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that the care recipient, her father-in-law, was not in need of full-time care and attention as specified for in the statutory conditions. Her appeal against this decision, to the social welfare appeals office, was considered by an appeals officer who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. This has been arranged for October 2001 and the person concerned was advised of the arrangements by letter on 21 September 2001.
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.
