Michael Ring
Question:130 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the carer's allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was stopped; and when this allowance will be restored. [13987/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was in receipt of carer's allowance at the maximum weekly personal rate. Her case was referred to an investigative officer in February 2002 for a means review and to confirm that conditions for receipt of carer's allowance were satisfied. Following two separate home visits by an investigative officer, the person concerned was unavailable for interview. Accordingly, her payable order book was recalled and the carer's allowance claim was withdrawn with effect from 23 May 2002. On 31 May 2002, the investigative officer made contact with the person concerned and confirmed that conditions for receipt of carer's allowance are satisfied. As previously communicated to the person concerned and to your office, her carer's allowance has been reinstated with effect from 27 June 2002. She has been notified accordingly to collect her payable order book at the nominated post office. Arrears of carer's allowance due from 23 May 2002, to 26 June 2002, including the carer's respite care grant will issue shortly afterwards.
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.
Michael Ring
Question:131 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive their full entitlement to child benefit. [13989/02]
Child benefit is automatically paid to the age of 16 and may be extended until the child reaches 19 on certification by the school or college that the child is receiving full-time education. The person concerned is in receipt of child benefit for two of her three children. Payment in respect of her eldest daughter ceased in May 2002, the date certified by the school. Payment will be extended from June until the child's 19th birthday on receipt of the relevant claim form duly certified by the school.