Vol. 547 No. 3
290 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason for the long delay in a decision regarding an appeal of a farm assist payment by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3252/02]
The person concerned was disallowed farm assist in May 2001 on the grounds that his means, derived from farm income and his wife's earnings, exceeded the appropriate limit. He appealed this decision and his case was forwarded to a social welfare inspector for further investigation in August 2001. Additional details provided by the person concerned were examined, but his means were still above the limit for receipt of farm assist. At an oral hearing of his appeal on 22 November 2001, the person concerned produced further receipts which he stated had been found since the inspector's last visit. The matter was again referred to a social welfare inspector for investigation.
Based on the inspector's report, the appeals officer has assessed the person concerned with means of €128, £101, per week which will entitle him to farm assist at the reduced rate of €7.60, £5.99, per week from 26 December 2001. Had the person concerned produced all the necessary information initially, his claim could have been dealt with much more expeditiously. 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.
