Michael Ring
Question:258 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused the carers allowance again in respect of the care he provides to his father. [13890/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned applied for carer's benefit on 7 January 2003. The principal conditions for receipt of the benefit are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided, and certain PRSI conditions are satisfied.
His application was refused on the grounds that full-time care and attention was not required in this case. He was notified of this decision and of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 5 February 2003.
Additional medical evidence was subsequently received and, together with the original medical report, was submitted to the chief medical adviser for further consideration. This evidence did not change the original decision.
The person concerned has appealed this decision and his case has been forwarded to the social welfare appeals office for determination. Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.
Gay Mitchell
Question:259 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in his application for carer's allowance while in receipt of an old age pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13960/03]
Under social welfare regulations, carer's allowance and retirement pension are not payable concurrently. The person concerned is currently in receipt of retirement pension at the maximum personal rate. He applied for carer's allowance in October 2001. While he qualified for the allowance it was not to his financial advantage to transfer to carer's allowance from his existing payment. Accordingly, he continues to receive payment of retirement pension which is more beneficial to him.