Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2009
412 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been denied a carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4371/09]
View answerThe person concerned applied for Carer's Allowance on 17 June 2008. On 3 October 2008 her claim was refused on the grounds that her means exceed the statutory limit for receipt of Carer's Allowance. She is assessed with means of €251.71 per week derived from income from her spouse's insurable employment. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
On 1 December 2008 she appealed this decision and an appeal is open in this case. Her file will be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office this week.
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.
