Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive carers allowance from 21 September 2003 to 22 January 2004. [26897/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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An application for carer's allowance from the person concerned was received by my Department on 22 January 2004. Following the necessary investigations to determine her entitlement, she was awarded carer's allowance on 21 April 2004 with effect from 22 January, 2004. The person concerned has not requested that consideration be given to backdating the claim prior to the date of her application.

Under social welfare legislation decisions of 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.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will retain deserted wife's allowance; and if this person's case will be re-examined and the award of this allowance continued. [26980/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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In the case of the person concerned she applied for a deserted wife's benefit in December 1994. Entitlement to this payment, for those applicants whose claim was made on or after 31 August 1992, is subject to an earnings limit.

According to the information available to the Department, the gross earnings of the person concerned for the income tax year 2003 exceeded the maximum earnings limit. Therefore, her continued entitlement to deserted wife's benefit is currently being reviewed and her payment is being suspended to avoid any potential overpayment. As soon as a formal decision on her entitlement is made she will be notified of the outcome, including her right of appeal.

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.