Michael Ring
Ceist:1699 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a farm assist appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be heard. [16231/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned was disallowed farm assist on the grounds that his means, derived from farm income and his wife's earnings, exceeded the appropriate limit.
He appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office. His case was referred to an appeals officer who, on the basis of the evidence available to him, considered that the person's means had been fairly assessed and, accordingly, disallowed the appeal.
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.