293 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in deciding whether a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 was entitled to a carer's allowance; if a decision has now been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/02]

My Department is committed to providing an efficient service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply.