Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

691 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received a lone parent's allowance payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13855/02]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Ms Coughlan)

The time taken to process individual one-parent family payment claims varies significantly having regard to the difficulty or otherwise in establishing the circumstances in each case.

A claim by the person concerned for one-parent family payment was received in the Department on 27 February 2002. Following the necessary inquiries, her application was approved on 5 June 2002 with effect from 28 February 2002 and she was notified accordingly. A book of payable orders has been issued to her nominated post office, with the first order due for payment on 27 June.

The person concerned has been in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance on an interim basis while her one-parent family payment application was being processed. A cheque for the net amount of arrears of one-parent family payment will be issued to her shortly.

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.