Written Answers Nos. 126-35
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if basic supplementary welfare allowance is payable in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43999/13]
View answerThere is no record of an application for basic supplementary welfare allowance in respect of the persons concerned. However, they were in receipt of mortgage interest supplement payment which has been suspended pending receipt of information requested on 23 September 2013. The Department cannot make a decision on entitlement with regard to this until this information is provided.
128. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44005/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 July 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 3 October 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
129. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44008/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 2 October 2013, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
133. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will respond to correspondence regarding a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44038/13]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution that people caring for members of their own family are making to society - it was for that reason that the Government last year adopted the National Carers’ Strategy. The Department is fully committed to ensuring that carers can access benefits advice as early as possible when their caring role begins and to improving the availability of information on the supports available.
In this context, advice is available from the Department’s local office network and website, Citizen Information Centres and from the various organisations representing carers. In relation to the role generally of health care personnel in this area, I would point out that, as part of the National Carers’ Strategy, the HSE has given a commitment to promoting more proactive approaches to the identification of carers and to addressing their needs among staff and organisations that are likely to encounter individuals in caring situations (e.g. health and personal social service providers, and particularly primary care team members, community and education professionals).
134. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive a decision on their domiciliary care allowance appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44047/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case. Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
