Michael Ring
Question:206 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for carer's allowance. [32300/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned applied for a carer's allowance on 6 September 2001. The conditions for receipt of carer's allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided to the care recipient and that the means test is satisfied. The medical evidence submitted with the application was insufficient to determine whether the care recipient requires full-time care and attention. Arrangements are therefore being made for the care recipient to attend a medical examination by a medical assessor of my Department. The care recipient will be notified of the date, time and venue for this examination shortly.
When the result of this medical examination is to hand, her entitlement to carer's allowance will be further examined and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
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.