Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded one parent family allowance. [16162/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for a one-parent family payment on 5 February, 2009. Her claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation of her circumstances. The inspector has made efforts to contact her on two occasions to date. On completion of enquiries, a decision will be made as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome.

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.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person would be eligible to apply for carer's benefit if they were to take the three year career break from the public service as announced in the 7 April 2009 Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16201/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In the recent supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009, the Minister for Finance announced the 'Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme'. This scheme will allow civil servants who take a career break for 3 years to be paid an incentive payment of 33% of gross pay to a maximum of €12,500 per year. The career break may be allowed for family reasons, other domestic purposes (e.g. care of a relative), travel abroad, self-employment and educational purposes.

However, the circular from the Department of Finance setting out the specific terms for this career break scheme has not been finalized and I am not in a position to make a definitive judgment on eligibility for carer's benefit at this time. My officials will revert to the Deputy in writing on the issue of eligibility for carer's benefit as soon as possible.