asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the dependants benefit granted to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in respect of his grandson, which he was notified was to be allowed from 12th May, 1967, has not yet been paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Social Welfare Payments.
48.
A claim on behalf of the person named was received through the Deputy on 14th February, 1968. Certain inquiries were necessary to establish whether the child could be regarded, for the purpose of the appropriate regulations, as normally resident with the claimant or with his father. On completion of these inquiries it was decided to grant the increase of benefit in respect of the child to the claimant but regrettably some delay occurred in implementing the decision. Meanwhile the claimant was, of course, being paid benefit regularly in respect of himself, his wife and another dependent child.
Has the money been paid yet?
Yes.
When?
I think it was paid recently—on 3rd May.
After the Parliamentary Question was put down.
These children did not qualify at all until I amended the regulations last year.
Are they not now entitled to get the allowance?
They are.
49.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied) in County Waterford has not been paid disability benefit since 5th April, 1968; and if he will have the ase investigated at once.
The insured person named by the Deputy was in receipt of disability benefit when his name was included in a group claim for unemployment benefit lodged under a special arrangement in connection with the threatened close down of his employers' business due to the then current ESB trade dispute. In consequence, payment of disability benefit was suspended, as this benefit is not payable concurrently with unemployment benefit and a person claiming the latter is required to declare that he is capable of work. When it was ascertained that the insured person had been included erroneously in the group claim payment of disability benefit was resumed and arrears of disability benefit due were paid on 29th April, 1968.
In other words, a mistake was made by the Minister's Department?
No, not in this case. The person was receiving disability benefit and his name was submitted with a group employed by his employers. We do facilitate employers in a scheme in that way. His name was sent in in error by the employers for unemployment benefit. He could not qualify for both and we had to investigate.
Naturally.
I am not saying we are not capable of making a mistake.
I am quite sure of it. I will keep on proving it every week. This is only three you are admitting to.
No; I am not admitting them at all.
Do No. 50, and we shall see.
50.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied) in County Waterford has not been paid his disability benefit for the past two weeks.
A claim for disability benefit, with a first medical certificate dated 12th April, 1968 and showing incapacity from 9th April, 1968 was received from the person referred to in the question on 16th April, 1968. The second medical certificate received, on which payment of benefit is normally made, was obtained by the insured person at a hospital and from a different doctor and this apparently led to it being misfiled. When a further certificate was received the matter was rectified and payment of benefit was made on 29th April, 1968.
Very good. Since the PQ went down, all three benefits were paid.
That is a good service the Deputy is giving.
I am giving a good service.
All he has to do is ask a question and the Minister for Social Welfare hops.