asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in Waterford has lost his free travel pass; and if he will take immediate steps to issue him with a new one.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
535.
A form of application for replacement of his free travel pass has been issued to the person concerned. When the completed form is returned to my Department his entitlement to a replacement pass will be dealt with.
536.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the application for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Clare who has been signing for the past nine months and who has no visible means.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self-employment, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and in connection with his appeal his case was again investigated. The inquiries were recently finalised and his means were re-assessed at £9.60 weekly. His claim to unemployment assistance has accordingly been allowed and the current weekly rate payable to him is £40.90 being the maximum rate £50.50 less means of £9.60. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week. Further weekly payments at £40.90 will be made as they fall due.
537.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when social welfare benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Enniscorthy, County Wexford who signed on 26 January, 1982, and signed off on 17 May, 1982 but who has received no payment.
Inquiries to establish the means of the person concerned were recently completed and a deciding officer assessed him with weekly means of £3.60. The person was entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £16.75 increased to £21.85 from 31 March 1982 and all arrears due to him will be paid next week.
538.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will arrange for the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in Clonard, County Meath, as he has been signing for the last eight weeks and is married with two children.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 18 May 1982 and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation.
The social welfare officer's report is presently in postal transit to my Department's headquarters and when it is received the means of the person concerned will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.
539.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the serious recession in the tourist industry, he will consider the provision of some financial relief for hotel owners and guesthouse owners in relation to PRSI.
The rates of PRSI contributions payable are fixed at the beginning of the tax year in which the contributions are due and it would not be practicable at this stage to change them. The whole question of PRSI contributions, together with taxation issues generally, is a matter which will be considered in the context of the report of the Commission on Taxation which is expected to be available shortly.