Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason incorrect information was given in a previous parliamentary question; if this matter will be examined urgently; and if he will confirm the decision made on the revised application submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [40764/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The information given in reply to the previous parliamentary question was based on information supplied by the HSE who advised that this and other cases have been the subject of discussion between the Deputy and the HSE by telephone. Following further enquiries with the Executive, I now understand that a meeting between the Deputy and the HSE is scheduled for early December.

A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing and footwear allowance if he or she is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels. The person concerned was refused back to school clothing and footwear allowance as her household income was substantially above the prescribed limit for entitlement to the allowance. She was advised of her right to appeal this decision to the area appeals officer of the Executive. The Executive has advised that she has not appealed this decision. According to the records of the HSE, no second application for BSCFA has been received from the person concerned.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the carer's allowance. [40766/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned was refused the Carer's Allowance on the grounds that full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations is not required in this case. On 27 November 2006 he was notified of the decision, the reason for it and of his right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

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.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) who is an old age pensioner and on a low income has been refused the free fuel allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40767/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Eligibility for a fuel allowance is subject to means and other conditions. The main conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with a qualifying dependant. A person may have a combined household income of up to €51 per week over and above the maximum rate of state pension (contributory) or savings/investments of up to €46,000, and still qualify for fuel allowance.

The person concerned is in receipt of a State Pension (Contributory) at the maximum rate of €193.30 per week. She also has income of €90.48 per week from a private pension. As this amount is in excess of the income limit allowable for eligibility to a fuel allowance, her application was refused in January last and she was notified accordingly.

Any extension of the fuel allowance scheme would have financial implications and could only be considered in a budgetary context.