Michael Ring
Ceist:867 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be scheduled to finalise a carer's allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2810/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned, who is currently in receipt of carer's allowance, applied for an increase in respect of an additional care recipient. The application was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that the care recipient was not in need of full-time care and attention and that the carer had no system of communication with the care recipient. She appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office and her case was considered by an appeals officer who has decided that an oral hearing of the appeal should be held. The person concerned will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the arrangements have been made.
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.