asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reinvestigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin whose application for old age contributory pension has been refused on the basis that she does not meet all of the relevant requirements; if, in view of the borderline nature of the case, he will have the case reopened; and if the 1956 retrospection element must strictly apply in this case in view of the hardship circumstances involved.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
380.
The person concerned was awarded a contributory old age pension at the rate of £23.05 together with a "living alone" allowance with effect from her 66th birthday, 13 June 1980.
Her rate of pension is the rate appropriate to a person with a yearly average of 27 contributions paid and credited over a prescribed period. In order to qualify for a pension at the maximum rate an average of 48 contributions paid and credited is required.
The prescribed period in her case commences from the beginning of the contribution year 1956-57 when she entered insurance. This is in accordance with the statutory contribution conditions governing the old age contributory pension scheme and I have no power to modify these conditions in individual cases.
381.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason social welfare disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he is aware that hospital surgeons advised that this person's left hand should be amputated.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 11 April 1972 to 18 October 1980. Payment was disallowed after that date following an examination by a medical referee of my Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the decision disallowing his claim for disability benefit and, in connection with his appeal, he was examined on 19 November 1980 by a different medical referee who also ex pressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His case has now been referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer proposes to hold an oral hearing of the appeal at an early date. He will be notified of the time and place of the appeal hearing as soon as the necessary arrangements have been made.
There is reference in the medical reports to the question of the amputation of the left hand. At the appeal hearing the person concerned will be afforded an opportunity of furnishing information in this matter to the appeals officer.
382.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension and the arrears will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
A non-contributory old age pension order book payable from 3 October 1980 was issued to the person concerned on 5 December 1980 and the arrears due are in course of issue.
383.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when maternity benefit which is due since July 1980 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
A claim for maternity benefit in respect of her confinement in June 1980 was received from the person concerned in August 1980. As she indicated in her claim that she was last employed in October 1977 she did not appear to be entitled to payment. Following inquiries, however, it was established that she had been in insurable employment for sufficient weeks in 1979-80 to qualify her for benefit.
Payment of maternity allowance for the week of confinement and the subsequent six weeks was made on 5 December 1980. A maternity grant of £8 was also paid.
The person has been requested to state the date on which she ceased employment prior to her confinement and to submit a certificate of her earnings so that any additional maternity allowance and pay-related benefit due may be paid.