Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when notification regarding carer's benefit will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [22725/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for Carer's Allowance on 9 May 2007. The principal conditions for receipt of this allowance are that full time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied.

The person concerned was refused Carer's Allowance on the grounds that full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations is not required in this case.

On 21 August 2007 the person concerned was notified of the decision, the reason for it and his right of review or appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The person concerned submitted additional medical evidence in respect of the care recipient, however the evidence failed to alter the decision of the Department's Chief Medical Advisor and the decision remains unchanged.

On 4 October 2007 the person concerned was notified of the decision and of his right of 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.