asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting the free telephone allowance to a person (details supplied) in South West Cork who applied about two years ago; and whether the allowance plus the re-imbursement of payments made in the meantime will be granted forthwith.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
266.
The application referred to by the Deputy was approved by my Department on 20 November 1980 with effect from 1 October 1978 which is the date on which the applicant became the registered subscriber of the telephone line. A payable order for £32.99 has issued to her and the balance of £61.77 will be credited against arrears due to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs on her telephone account.
I regret the delay in this case which arose initially out of inquiries which had to be made and subsequently through a filing error by an inexperienced member of the staff. Procedures have been revised so as to avoid a similar occurrence in future.
270.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying the full rate of widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in South West Cork; and when payment will be made.
The person concerned is in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension at a reduced rate on the basis of her means assessed on the estimated yearly value of a farm.
Following notification that the farm had been transferred to her son, a report on the new circumstances was requested from the local social welfare officer. A decision will be given as soon as the report is received.
The officer has been requested to expedite his investigation and report on the case.
271.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the nonpayment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in South West Cork; and whether steps are now being taken to pay it together with all arrears due.
The reason that unemployment assistance is not being paid to the person concerned is that following a reinvestigation of his case his means were reassessed at £20.42 a week and this amount exceeds the maximum rate of unemployment assistance — £20 — payable in his case.
He has appealed against the re-assessment and his case is being referred to an appeals officer for determination.
272.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the nonpayment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in South West Cork; and whether arrangements are now being made for payment.
The reason that the person concerned was not paid unemployment benefit is that he did not satisfy the statutory contribution conditions which required him to have at least 26 paid or credited contributions in the contribution year governing his entitlement to benefit.
He was, however, paid unemployment assistance during the period of his claim.