Vol. 543 No. 5
392 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a carer's allowance was refused; and if he will reverse this decision. [27476/01]
The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 6 July 2001. One of the principal conditions for receipt of the allowance is that full-time care and attention is required and being provided to the care recipient.
The application of the person concerned was refused as he did not satisfy this condition. He was notified of the decision and of his right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
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.
393 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the way in which a payment of a non-contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was re-assessed. [27477/01]
The person concerned is currently in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension of £68.50, 86.98, per week, inclusive of a living alone allowance of £6, 7.62, and a fuel allowance of £5, 6.35, on the basis of means of £42.35, 53.77, deriving from her British pension and some capital, assessed in 1993.
394 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal against a decision to refuse an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a widow's non-contributory pension. [27506/01]
Payment of widow's non-contributory pension in this case was discontinued on the grounds that the person concerned failed to fully disclose her means. Her appeal against this decision was the subject of an oral hearing on 17 May 2001. The appeals officer, having considered all the evidence presented, disallowed the appeal on 26 October 2001. Notification of the decision has issued to the person concerned.
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.
395 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the entitlements which are available from his Department to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [27546/01]
The only scheme which would be relevant to the circumstances of the person concerned would be the back to education allowance which is a second chance educational opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate certain groups, including people who have been unemployed for a certain minimum period, to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
To qualify for participation an applicant must, inter alia, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months, 156 days, immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study.
The person concerned was not in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment prior to participation in a second level course of study and is not, therefore, eligible for the allowance.
