Michael Creed
Ceist:291 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a deserted wife's allowance claim will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [3268/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of deserted wife's allowance at the personal rate. A claim for an increase in respect of a dependent child added to her deserted wife's allowance payment was received in October 2001.
In such cases, the practice is to transfer the claimant on to one-parent family payment, which is the appropriate scheme for lone parents with children. The person was awarded one parent family payment in October.
A letter as issued by the Department to the person concerned on 18 October 2001, requesting her to return her deserted wife's allowance book so that her one-parent family payment book could be issued to her at the higher rate. To date, despite reminders, the requested book has not been returned to the Department. On receipt of this book, a one-parent family payment book will be sent to her designated post office, and arrears due to her will be paid by cheque.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on 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.