Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to finalise their appeal for a respite care grant for 2005 as the delay is most unfair in view of the fact that the matter has been ongoing for many months and that the claimant has been caring for their brother for many years; the date this appeal was lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17058/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned was awarded respite care in respect of 2006. A Deciding Officer disallowed his application in respect of 2005 on the grounds that the care recipient was not so incapacitated as to require full-time care and attention at that time.

On 15 January 2007 the person concerned appealed against the decision to refuse him a Respite Care Grant for 2005. In accordance with the statutory requirements, the relevant departmental papers and comments of my Department were sought. These have now been provided and I am informed that the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.