Guardian's Payment Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 December 2013

Thursday, 5 December 2013

Questions (129)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 21 November 2013, if it was acknowledged, when the original decision was made by the deciding officer, that the parent of the child in question made no contact with their child; if a determination was made at that juncture as to by whom the child was being maintained; if a solicitor’s letter verifying the position was brought to the attention of the deciding officer or the appeals officer; if the deciding officer or the appeals officer has since been made aware of the circumstances with a view to making the relevant payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52390/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The claim of the person concerned to Guardians payment contributory was disallowed on 30 May 2012 as the deciding officer was satisfied that the care arrangements in place for the child were on foot of a private mutual agreement between the child’s mother and the applicant, and therefore the child was not deemed to be abandoned. The applicant was notified of this decision. The Solicitor’s letter referred to was received, together with the applicant’s appeal, in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16th October 2012 and was considered during the appeal process. The Appeals Officer upheld the decision of the deciding officer on 15th March 2013. No new facts or evidence have been presented since the decision of the Appeals Officer.

Question No. 130 withdrawn.