Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will receive the carer's allowance as a matter of urgency in view of the urgent family crisis resulting from an acutely ill child forcing the mother to give up work and the inability of the family to meet their mortgage repayments in these circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42610/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for Carer's Allowance on 29 August 2008. Her application was refused on 28 October 2008 on the grounds that her means exceed the statutory limit for receipt of Carer's Allowance. She is assessed with means of €280.59 per week derived from income from her spouse's insurable employment. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of appeal to the Independent Welfare Appeal's Office.

On 11 November 2008 she appealed this decision and an appeal was opened in the case. Her file will be submitted to the Appeal's Office this week. 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.