Michael Ring
Ceist:100 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the carer’s allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo;. [5453/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 17 February 2005
Ceisteanna (100, 101, 102)
Freagraí scríofa
The person concerned applied for an increase in her carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on 28 January 2005. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied.
A decision issued on 8 February 2005 to the person concerned refusing her application on the basis that full-time care and attention was not required in this case. She was afforded the opportunity to submit further medical evidence for review, which she provided earlier this week. This information has been forwarded to my Department's chief medical advisor for consideration. The case was also submitted to an investigative officer of my Department on 1 February 2005 to determine that all the conditions for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. In this regard, an appointment by the investigative officer has been arranged for 21 February 2005. On completion of the necessary investigations, she will be issued with a formal decision.
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.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:101 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the situation of persons (details supplied). [5454/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrian O'Shea
Ceist:102 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to substantially increase the carer’s allowance particularly in cases in which the only income of the carer is from social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5455/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 101 and 102 together.
The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.
From January the maximum rate of carer's allowance for a carer under 66 years increased from €139.60 to €153.60 per week while the maximum rate for a carer over age 66 years increased from €157.80 to €169.80 per week. In addition, all recipients of the carer's allowance receive the household benefits package of free schemes and the annual respite care grant, which increases to €1,000 from next June for each care recipient. A person caring for two or more people also receives an additional 50% on his or her personal payment. Any further increase in the rate of carer's allowance can only be considered in a budgetary context.