(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take steps to have a deserted wife's allowance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Deserted Wife's Allowance.
17.
The application of the person concerned for a deserted wife's allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that she could not be regarded as a deserted wife under the statutory regulations governing the scheme. The evidence available to the deciding officer showed that she had left her husband of her own accord and that she had not, as required by the regulations, made reasonable efforts, within the means available to her, to obtain support from her husband.
The deciding officer's decision was upheld by an appeals officer whose decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
In response to representations made by the Deputy the case was subsequently referred to the local social welfare officer for further investigation. However, the officer's report indicated that there were no new facts or fresh evidence which would warrant revision of the appeals officer's decision.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is there a disclosure in the Minister's file to the effect that the woman in question has not been residing with her husband since a very short time after the marriage? That was several years ago. She was forced through fear and because of the conduct of her husband to leave and since then she has been trying to eke out an existence. She is not in funds to pursue the husband even if she knew his whereabouts.
My information is that the woman in question is signing for unemployment benefit and is in receipt of a supplementary welfare allowance.
(Cavan-Monaghan): That indicates she is in poor circumstances. Would the Minister be prepared to consider the matter personally?
Yes, but the Deputy realises that the appeals officer's decision is final.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am suggesting that the decision in this case is harsh and that, therefore, the Minister might read the file personally.