Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

293 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in deciding whether a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 was entitled to a carer's allowance; if a decision has now been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/02]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department is committed to providing an efficient service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply.

In determining entitlement to carer's allowance there are medical, means and residency con ditions which must be satisfied and there is a time lag involved in making the necessary investigations and inquiries to enable decisions to be made. The person concerned applied for a carer's allowance on 30 October 2001. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full time care and attention is required and is being provided and that the means test is satisfied.

Following the necessary investigations it was established that the applicant does not provide full time care and attention and, accordingly, she was refused carer's allowance. She was notified of this decision on 29 January 2002 and of her right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office.

Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officer. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.