Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for the carer's allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [8737/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for Carer's Allowance on 5 October 2004. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention are required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied.

An investigation by an investigative officer of my Department established that the person concerned satisfies the means test. The person concerned supplied the medical evidence in support of his application. This was forwarded to the chief medical advisor of my Department for consideration of medical eligibility. He decided that a medical examination by a medical assessor of my Department was required to determine medical eligibility.

Due to an administrative error, there was a delay in scheduling the medical examination. Arrangements have now been made for the care recipient to attend for medical examination by a medical assessor of my Department. The examination is scheduled for the week of 11 April 2005.

His entitlement to carer's allowance will be immediately considered in light of the medical adviser's reports and he will be notified directly of the outcome. The delay is processing this case is regretted.

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.