Michael Ring
Ceist:793 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assessed for a carer's allowance. [21522/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance in September 1998 on the basis that her means which were derived from her spouse's earnings, exceeded the statutory limit. Her application was recently re-examined arising from further improvements made to the carer's allowance means test which were introduced as part of budget 2001. However, her weekly means were re-assessed at £169.10 per week and still remain in excess of the statutory limit for receipt of carer's allowance. Accordingly her application for carer's allowance was refused. She was notified on 21 September 2001 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 officer. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.