asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid for the past twelve months to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits .
239.
: Unemployment benefit has not been paid to the person concerned because certain inquiries, which were somewhat protracted, had to be pursued as to whether the person complied with the conditions for entitlement. These inquiries have now been completed and a deciding officer has disallowed the claim on the grounds that the claimant is not unemployed within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts.
If the person referred to wishes to appeal against the disallowance, a form for this purpose will be given to him at his local office.
240.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
: The person concerned claimed a widow's contributory pension from my Department. As the statutory contribution conditions for the award of pension were not satisfied her claim was rejected.
Following investigation of her means, which consisted of a farm of 36 acres, claimant was awarded a noncontributory pension at a reduced rate with effect from 29 September 1978 (day following her late husband's death).
It subsequently came to light that claimant's late husband had been employed for periods for which no contributions had been paid. As a result she was awarded a contributory widow's pension at a higher rate (based on an average of 26 contributions) with effect from 29 September 1978.
A pension order book has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her. A payable order for arrears due has been issued direct to her.