There are currently 22,300 persons in receipt of carers allowance. There have been no budgetary cuts relating to the scheme. The provision of support to carers has been a priority objective of this Government. The position of carers has been significantly enhanced each year through improvements to the scheme and this will continue to be a priority. For example, budget 2004 increased income disregards for a single person to €250 and for a married couple to €500. Additionally, increases to the respite care grant were made.
Payment has been discontinued in some cases and refused in others for a variety of reasons in the course of the ongoing administration of the scheme. There is a review mechanism in all of my Department's schemes to ensure that entitlement conditions in individual cases continue to be satisfied. This is achieved through a process of selective and periodic review of appropriate cases.
According to departmental records thus far this year 1,523 persons were disallowed carers allowance. This includes cases where appeals or re-applications may currently be in progress. My Department has received 5,655 new applications for the allowance up to 24 September this year; 5,231 have been determined of which 2,021 were refused payment as they did not satisfy the eligibility criteria.
In all such review cases resulting in disallowance or refusal, the persons concerned are informed of the decision and the reasons for it. They were also advised of their right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office. 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.