An application for family income supplement, FIS, was received by my Department from the person concerned on 22 April 2004. She was awarded FIS at a weekly rate of €45 for a 52 week period from 22 April 2004 to 20 April 2005.
A claim for disability benefit was made by the person concerned on 30 September 2004 and, as of 7 December, this claim was still in payment. Under regulations governing FIS, a person who is incapacitated may only receive disability benefit and FIS simultaneously for a maximum period of six weeks. In line with these regulations, this person's FIS was discontinued with effect from 2 December 2004. Her FIS payment will be immediately reinstated when the disability benefit claim ceases and she returns to work.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions regarding 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.