asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the payments which have been made to a person (details supplied) in Dublin; and if any further payments are due.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
308.
The person concerned was paid unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £14.15 from 4 March 1980 increased to £17.00 weekly from 2 April 1980 to 14 May 1980 after which she resumed work.
She was not qualified for unemployment benefit as her 1978/79 insurance card had not been received. This aspect is still being investigated and if she is found to be qualified any adjustment due will be made.
309.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied some weeks ago.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 March 1980 but payment could not be authorised at that time, as she had less than the required number of contributions or credits in the contribution year 1978/79, which governed her claim, to qualify her for benefit. Following enquiries however, it was established that she was entitled to additional credited contributions for that year which had the effect of qualifying her for benefit. A cheque in payment of all disability benefit due to 21 May 1980 issued to her on 13 June 1980. If she has continued to be incapable of work after that date further payment of benefit will be made on receipt of continuing medical evidence of incapacity.
The question of entitlement to pay-related benefit is being investigated and payment, if any, due will be made on completion of the necessary inquiries.
310.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied in November, 1979.
A transfer of property was involved in this case but confirmation of stamping of the deed of transfer was not received from the claimant's solicitor until 21 May 1980. An appeals officer has awarded a pension at the maximum rate, including an allowance for his wife, to the person concerned with effect from 8 November 1978. A pension order book payable from 2 May 1980 was issued to him on 23 June 1980, and the arrears due are in the course of issue.
I might mention that I have recently had the procedures relating to the stamping of deeds modified so that the kind of delay which was occurring in this type of case will not occur in the future.
311.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of social assistance allowance due for some time will be paid to an applicant (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned claimed a social assistance allowance on 30 November 1979 and was awarded the allowance at the maximum rate with effect from 20 September 1979. An allowance order book, payable from 5 June 1980, issued to the designated post office for collection by her on 29 May 1980.
She was paid maternity allowance for the period from 20 September 1979 to 27 October 1979 and unemployment benefit from 19 November 1979 to 4 June 1980 at the full rates. In view of the award of social assistance allowance she was only entitled to these benefits at half the appropriate rate in each case.
The arrears of social assistance allowance less the amount of maternity allowance and unemployment benefit overpaid issued direct to the claimant on 23 June 1980.
312.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that an employee of the Department of Fisheries and Forestry (details supplied) has been refused occupational injuries benefit and medical care benefit in respect of an injury on 3 March 1979; and the steps that have since been taken to expedite payment.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 15 June 1979 in respect of an accident at work on 29 March 1979. Following inquiries regarding the circumstances of the accident it has been established that the incapacity was caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of his employment. He is accordingly entitled to injury benefit for the period of incapacity up to the expiration of 26 weeks from the date of the accident and to disability benefit thereafter.
He had however already been paid disability benefit since April 1979 on an interim basis pending the determination of his entitlement to injury benefit. Payment of this benefit, together with pay-related benefit, was issued regularly on the receipt of medical evidence up to 18 June 1980, the date of the latest medical certificate received. A cheque in payment of arrears of injury benefit less the amount of disability benefit already paid issued to him on 24 June 1980.
As regards medical care the claimant stated on his injury benefit claim form that he wished to claim the cost of medical expenses. An explanatory leaflet on the medical care scheme and a claim form were issued to him. On receipt of the completed claim form his entitlement to the cost of medical care will be determined and he will be notified accordingly.
An application form for disablement benefit has also been issued to him. On receipt of the completed form arrangements will be made for examination by a medical referee of my Department for the purpose of determining his entitlement to such benefit.
313.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied in June 1979.
A transfer of property was involved in this case and a decision on an appeal was deferred pending confirmation of stamping of the deed of transfer. The claim has now been examined in the light of the modified procedure recently introduced in such cases.
A pension at the maximum personal rate payable from 19 July 1979 has been awarded and a pension order book and arrears due are in course of issue.
314.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that his Department has failed to complete the necessary documents to enable an employee (details supplied) to obtain occupational injuries and medical care benefit under the Social Insurance Acts; and the steps that have since been taken to rectify the matter.
It has been ascertained that the necessary form OB4 in connection with the employee's claim for occupational injuries benefit was sent by post to the employee's local forest but was not received there. My Department was unaware therefore that additional information was required. The necessary information has now been supplied to the Department of Social Welfare and it is understood the Occupational Injury Benefit has been allowed to him.