Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
197 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will rescind the terms of office notice 02/04 of 28 January 2004, job initiative, secondary benefits, in order that persons on the minimum payment for the jobs initiative scheme can qualify for the fuel and smokeless fuel allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28274/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe job initiative programme is an initiative which is administered by FÁS, under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. Participants on the job initiative programme may qualify for payment of the fuel and smokeless fuel allowances subject to a weekly gross household income limit of €317.43 per week. In calculating the household income, account is taken of PRSI contributions and reasonable travelling expenses incurred.
The minimum payment to job initiative participants was increased to €318.40 from 1 January 2004, thereby taking it above the limit for continued payment of the fuel allowance. The income limit of €317.43 is kept under review and any changes would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
199 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the carer’s allowance application submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when they can expect to receive approval for it. [28449/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 8 October 2004. An interim decision issued to her on 29 October, 2004 refusing her application on the grounds that full-time care and attention was not required in this case. She has been afforded the opportunity to submit to my Department any further medical evidence for review. A formal decision will then be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
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.
