Michael Ring
Question:136 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason carer's allowance payments to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo have been stopped. [30101/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
One of the principal conditions for receipt of carer's allowance is that full-time care and attention is required and being provided to the care recipient.
As part of a review of her entitlement, the person concerned was requested to provide medical evidence with regard to the care recipient. Having considered all the medical evidence available the Department's chief medical adviser expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so invalided or disabled as to require full-time care and attention. On this basis carer's allowance payment was disallowed as this condition was no longer satisfied.
The person concerned has appealed this decision and the appeals office will be in direct contact with her in due course regarding the outcome.
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.