The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 22 February 2008. When the care recipient is under 16 years of age it is a condition that domiciliary care allowance be in payment in order to qualify for carer's allowance. On 23 December 2008 the person's claim was refused on the grounds that domiciliary care allowance was not in payment. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
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.