Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 331: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo which was held on the 18 October 2005. [34726/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned was in receipt of carer's allowance from 1 October 1998. Following a review of her entitlement, payment from 4 January 2001 to 30 March 2005 was disallowed by a deciding officer retrospectively, as it was found that the person was working more than ten hours per week. As a consequence, an overpayment of €34,970.31 was assessed against her. The person concerned appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office.

The case was referred to an appeals officer, who having considered all the evidence, including that adduced at the hearing, disallowed the appeal. The person concerned is being notified of the decision. Under social welfare legislation, decisions relating 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.