Michael Ring
Question:338 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) will be heard. [8769/03]
Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was in receipt of disability allowance from August 1996, having previously been in receipt of disabled persons maintenance allowance from the Western Health Board.
Following a review of her entitlement to disability allowance she was assessed with weekly means of €109.73 derived from her husband's earnings. Her rate of payment was reduced, accordingly, to €11.30 per week. Her appeal against this decision to the social welfare appeals office has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing as soon as possible. She will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary 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 regard to making such decisions.