Michael Ring
Ceist:1650 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an unemployment benefit appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [15709/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed as the deciding officer considered, on the basis of the evidence available to him, that she was not available for or genuinely seeking full-time employment. She appealed against this decision to the SWA office. The case was considered by an appeals officer who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is required. This will take place shortly.
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.
Michael Ring
Ceist:1651 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer's allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15710/02]
The person's application for carer's allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that the care recipient was not in need of full-time care and attention as prescribed in the statutory provisions.
On foot of the Deputy's previous representations, my Department's chief medical adviser requested that the care recipient be referred for a medical examination. She was examined on 19 September by a medical assessor of my Department who was also of the opinion that she is not in need of full-time care and attention. In the circumstances the deciding officer found no reason to alter the decision disallowing the person's application for carer's allowance.
The person's appeal against this decision to the SWA office has now been considered by an appeals officer who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible.
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.