Since 1999, my Department has provided an annual respite care grant to people who are in receipt of a carer's allowance. One condition for receiving the grant is that the person must be receiving a carer's allowance during the specified period. This year the specified period is 2 June to 8 June.
The person concerned was in receipt of carer's allowance, in respect of her son, from 10 June 1999 to 25 May 2005. Her son died on 13 April 2005. She was paid the allowance for a further six weeks after the death, up to 25 May 2005, when payment ceased. Unfortunately, as she is not in receipt of the allowance during the specified period, she does not qualify for the respite care grant.
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.