(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for refusing a person (details supplied) in County Cavan, a deserted wife's allowance, small farmer's dole or any other form of social assistance in view of her poor circumstances.
Written Answers. - County Cavan Welfare Benefit Applicant.
90.
The only form of assistance for which the person concerned actually made an application to my Department was deserted wife's allowance. This application was originally disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that she could not be regarded as a deserted wife under the statutory regulations governing this scheme. The deciding officer held that she had not, as required by these regulations, made reasonable efforts within the means available to her to trace her husband's whereabouts and to prevail on him to contribute to her support.
The deciding officer's decision was subsequently upheld by an appeals officer. However, the case was recently reviewed by an appeals officer and was the subject of an oral hearing at which the applicant attended and gave evidence on her own behalf. As a result, her application has been allowed. Arrangements are being made for the issue of a book of allowance orders and for payment of any arrears due as soon as possible.