Vol. 555 No. 2
415 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment of the one parent family allowance from the date of their application to the date they started employment. [17894/02]
The person concerned made an application for a one parent family allowance on 12 April 2002. Her claim was disallowed by a deciding officer on the basis that she and her spouse continue to live in the family home. Her appeal against this decision to the social welfare appeals office was 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.
416 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision issued on the carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the care they provide to their son and spouse, was notified to the person; if so, the date of the notification; and the reason for the refusal in both cases. [17949/02]
The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 8 May 2002, in respect of care provided to his wife and son. With regard to his application in respect of his wife, a medical assessor of my Department deemed that full time care and attention was not required in this case. With regard to the application in respect of his son certain documentary evidence which was requested on 21 May 2002 and again on 24 June 2002 was not received. My Department issued a letter to him on 15 August 2002, advising that his claim in respect of his son was deemed to have been withdrawn on the basis he had not provided the information requested. My Department has since been in contact with the person concerned and he has again been requested to forward the details required. Additional medical information was received from him in respect of his spouse on 4 October 2002. This medical information has been referred to my Department's medical assessor for consideration.
On receipt of the required information in respect of his son and the medical assessor's report in respect of his wife, his application will be further considered and he will be immediately notified of the outcome. 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.
