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

Question 443: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision on a carer's allowance claim will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, in view of the fact that the person has sent in all the necessary information; and the reason for the delay. [14400/06]

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

The person concerned applied for carer's allowance in respect of two care recipients on 3 March 2006. 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. Additionally, the requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes, including carer's allowance, with effect from 1 May 2004.

On 22 March 2006, to determine if the person concerned satisfies the habitual residence condition, he was requested to complete the relevant departmental form. To date this form has not been received in my Department. A reminder letter issued to him on 18 April 2006. 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.