Michael Ring
Question:672 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a farm assist appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo following the submission of their audited accounts. [13302/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate of farm assist on the basis of his means, derived from farm income. He appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office and the case was considered by an appeals officer who, after an oral hearing on 25 February 2002, disallowed the appeal.
In the light of further evidence submitted the appeals officer has decided to re-open the appeal by way of a further oral hearing. It will take place in Claremorris during the week commencing 1 July 2002. The person concerned will be advised of the exact date, time and venue for the hearing when the arrangements have been made.
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 making such decisions.
Michael Ring
Question:673 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a farm assist appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [13303/02]
The person concerned was disallowed farm assist 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 further investigated by a social welfare inspector. Following an oral hearing of his appeal on 22 November 2001, the person was assessed with means of €128, £101, per week which entitled him to farm assist at the reduced rate of €7.60, £5.99, per week from 26 December 2001.
The appeals officer has again considered the appeal but does not consider that any new facts or evidence has been provided to warrant a revision of the decision. The person concerned has been advised accordingly.
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 making such decisions.
Michael Ring
Question:674 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a disability allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [13304/02]
The person's claim for disability allowance was refused by a deciding officer following an examination by a medical assessor of the Department who expressed the view that he was not medically suitable for this payment.
The person has appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office and in the context of his appeal he will be examined by another medical assessor. This examination has been arranged for 4 July 2002 in Achill.
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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:675 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a one parent family allowance payment will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13331/02]
There is a statutory obligation on all claimants for one-parent family payment to make, and continue to make, appropriate efforts in the particular circumstances to obtain maintenance in respect of themselves and-or their children from their former spouse or partner. This obligation reflects the general policy of the scheme that, in so far as possible, one-parent families should be maintained by their former spouses or partners rather than have to rely on social welfare support.
The person concerned applied for one-parent family payment in January 2002. She was asked by the Department to seek maintenance from her spouse by contacting her local district court clerk, and to forward documentary evidence to the Department that she had done so. Her claim was rejected by the Department when she failed to supply the necessary information.
Information received subsequently indicated that the person concerned is seeking a judicial separation. She has been requested again by the Department to confirm the situation in relation to maintenance. When she supplies the information sought, a further decision will be made on her claim and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.
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 making such decisions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:676 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a carer's allowance payment will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13332/02]
My Department received an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned on 25 April 2002. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention are required and being provided and that the means test which applies is satisfied.
Whilst the medical eligibility conditions are satisfied the applicant is currently employed on a part-time basis and works 8.5 hours per week. In order to establish her entitlement to a carer's allowance, she has been requested to submit a statement from her employer confirming her weekly earnings. This information was requested on 9 May 2002. Following oral communication with the Deputy's office, this information was also requested on 12 June 2002.
On receipt of the necessary information, 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:677 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive unemployment assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13337/02]
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 15 October 2001. The deciding officer disallowed his claim on the grounds that he was not available for or genuinely seeking work and that he had not fully disclosed his means.
The person concerned has appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office. An oral hearing was held on 30 May 2002. At this hearing the person concerned undertook to submit details of his efforts to secure employment. To date no such documents have been received and a reminder will now issue. On receipt of the promised information the appeals officer will make a decision on the appeal.
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 making such decisions.