Michael Ring
Question:320 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for and receive a carer's allowance payment. [6742/02]
Vol. 549 No. 3
320 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for and receive a carer's allowance payment. [6742/02]
The application for carer's allowance from the person concerned has been referred to an investigative officer of my Department for a means assessment and to confirm that the conditions for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. Her entitlement will be further examined in light of the investigative officer's report.
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.
321 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the substantial difference in the amount of allowance being paid by the health board to foster parents and that being paid by his Department to relatives of orphans (details supplied); his views on increasing the orphans allowance in line with that been paid to foster parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/02]
The orphan's payments paid by my Department are intended to provide income maintenance for children who satisfy the qualifying conditions.
At present orphans contributory allowance and maximum rate orphans non-contributory pension are each paid at a rate of €91.00 per week. Orphans payments are increased each year in line with the standard budget increases afforded to other income support payments.