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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1980

Vol. 324 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

358.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will be in a position to grant free telephone rental allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

An application for free telephone rental allowance was received from the person concerned on 30 September 1980. Her claim had to be disallowed as she was not in receipt of one of the required pensions. She was notified accordingly on 20 October 1980.

359.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare with reference to a claim for disability benefit by a person (details supplied) in Dublin if he will state: (1) if he is satisfied that some of the cheques issued by his Department did not reach the payee; (2) if Garda enquiries have been instituted and, if so, when they will be completed; and (3) if new cheques will be issued to the payee in lieu of those not received by her; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned recently complained of the non-receipt of eight disability benefit cheques amounting to £184.32, which issued to her at her present address in March and April 1978. The cheques in question were returned by the bank as cashed.

Following investigation and examination of the endorsements on the cheques, my Department is satisfied that all the cheques were signed by the claimant. The local trader who cashed the cheques intimated that he is personally acquainted with her and that he would not have cashed cheques issued in her name for any person other than her. In the circumstances it is not considered that an investigation by the Garda would serve any useful purpose.

It is not proposed to issue replacement cheques in this case.

However, if the Deputy wishes to discuss the case further with me I will be happy to do so.

360.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of unemployment benefit paid at Cork Employment Exchange on 14 November 1980, and on the corresponding dates in each year since 1970 to 1979; and the number of people on unemployment benefit in those periods.

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Unemployment Benefit

Date

Expenditure

Number of Recipients

£

13 November 1970

5,640

1,111

12 November 1971

10,920

2,368

10 November 1972

12,650

1,794

9 November 1973

10,570

1,243

8 November 1974

18,930

1,660

14 November 1975

42,950

3,099

12 November 1976

39,670

2,639

11 November 1977

40,010

2,221

10 November 1978

40,370

1,834

9 November 1979

39,770

1,703

14 November 1980

108,840

3,586

361.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare why an applicant (details supplied) in County Dublin has not had her non-contributory widow's pension application sanctioned.

A claim for a widow's non-contributory pension was rejected on the ground that the person concerned failed to disclose her full means at the original and subsequent investigations of her claim.

If, at any stage, she indicates that she is prepared to disclose her means for widow's pension purposes to my Department the claim will be reviewed.

362.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the claim of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who is awaiting the payment of unemployment assistance.

The person concerned has been continuously in receipt of unemployment assistance since 1 January 1977 as a smallholder whose means are assessed on a notional basis.

He applied for a re-assessment of his means and his circumstances were investigated. The necessary inquiries have now been completed and reveal that the claimant is no longer a landholder entitled to the notional method of assessment. His means assessment has been revised and he is being informed of the outcome.

If he is dissatisfied with the decision in his case he has the right to appeal to an appeals officer.

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