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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1982

Vol. 337 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

379.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Waterford is entitled to a free electricity allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned is not at present entitled to the free electricity allowance as he is not in receipt of a qualifying pension or allowance.

He has, however, been awarded an invalidity pension with effect from 15 July 1982 and subject to his satisfying the other conditions of the scheme he may qualify for the allowance. He should, therefore, apply through his local ESB office and on receipt of the completed application in the Department his entitlement will be considered and he will be notified of the outcome.

380.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself that the deep sea dockers strike in Waterford port has been settled; if he is now proposing to review their entitlements to unemployment benefit etc.; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Following a recent review of the position, a deciding officer of my Department in the light of evidence submitted to him accepted that the dispute has ended. He authorised payment of unemployment benefit to be resumed with effect from 28 May 1982 and all arrears due to the persons concerned were paid in the week ended 18 June.

Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they fall due.

381.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Tramore, County Waterford is entitled to a widow's pension; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension with effect from 22 January 1982, at a reduced rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years with four qualified children, on the basis of her means assessed on the value of a farm and some capital. A pension book with orders payable from 25 June 1982 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.

Her late husband was in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension, which included an increase in respect of his wife and children and this pension continued to be paid to her for six weeks after his death on 10 December 1981.

The arrears of pension due for the period from 22 January to 24 June 1982 have been paid direct to her after deduction of the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which she received from the South Eastern Health Board since her husband's death.

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