Michael Ring
Question:340 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carers allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [8882/03]
Written Answers - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned was refused a carer's allowance on the grounds that full-time care and attention was not required in this case. This decision was subsequently appealed and an oral appeal hearing was heard on 13 January 2003. The appeals officer upheld the decision and disallowed the appeal. Notification issued to this effect to the person concerned on 28 January 2003.
Further correspondence regarding the case was subsequently forwarded to the appeals officer. The appeals officer did not consider that there was any fresh facts or evidence which would warrant a review of his decision. The person concerned was notified accordingly on 6 March 2003.
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.