asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of smallholders assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
330.
The person concerned has been awarded unemployment assistance at the rate of £11.90 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £69.55 less means of £57.65 derived from his land which was factually assessed. All arrears due to him were paid last week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
Arising from the ruling of the High Court which declared unconstitutional the use of the rateable valuation system the means of a small holder claiming unemployment assistance may no longer be assessed notionally on the valuation of his holding.
331.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for a widow's pension from a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned originally claimed a widow's contributory pension but she did not have the necessary insurance contributions to qualify her for such pension.
However, her entitlement to non-contributory pension is at present being investigated and when the report of the local officer is received a decision will be given on the claim without delay. In the meantime it is understood that the claimant is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the North-Western Health Board.
332.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the amount of non-contributory old age pension being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has been reduced.
A question for reduction of the old age pension of the person concerned from £24.45 to £16.45 a week was referred to the local pension committee on 11 February 1983 for decision. Pension at the reduced rate of £16.45 is in payment pending the pension committee's decision. The question arose following a reassessment of his means to take account of increases in his annuity from the Land Commission.
333.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's allowance for herself and one child at the maximum rate, with effect from 12 August 1982. An allowance order book payable from 10 February 1983 has been forwarded to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
A payable order for arrears due from 12 August 1982 to 9 February 1983, less deductions in respect of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the North-Western Health Board in that period, has been sent direct to the claimant.
334.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a non-contributory old age pension and arrears to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for some time.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned was investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision on 10 February 1982. Payment of a pension was not recommended by the social welfare officer as the assessment of the claimant's means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding and capital, the transfer of the major part of which has not been accepted for pension purposes, exceeds the statutory limit.
The death of the clerk of the pension committee delayed a decision but it is anticipated that the matter will be resolved in the next couple of weeks.
335.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to him to 4 February 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received.
336.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when occupational injury benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit on 24 January 1983 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 18 January 1983. Pending completion of the investigation of the nature and circumstances of the accident, he has been awarded disability benefit from 22 January 1983, fourth day of incapacity, as an interim measure.
Disability benefit together with pay-related benefit allowed from 2 February 1983 has been paid to the date of the latest medical certificate received less an amount deducted in respect of supplementary welfare allowance paid which has been refunded to the South Eastern Health Board. A reminder has been issued to the employer concerned for the return of a form of inquiry issued for completion regarding the occupational accident. The claim to injury benefit will be decided as soon as the necessary investigation is completed.
337.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned has no history of insurable employment and, therefore, has no entitlement to unemployment benefit. His claim to unemployment assistance from 20 March 1982 to 17 August 1982 was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self-employment as a bricklayer and stone mason exceeded the statutory limit.
He has appealed against the decision and he has been asked to give details of the grounds of his appeal. When he does so his case will be referred to an appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of that officer's decision.
338.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a pension was decreased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Due to an increase in his British retirement pension the old age pension of the person concerned was reduced to £20.45 a week with effect from 30 July 1982. Following a further increase in his British pension in November last his case is again under review. Inquiries have not yet been completed, and it is not known whether this review will result in a change in the rate of pension in payment.
339.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The means of the person concerned are at present being investigated by a social welfare officer. It is expected that the inquiries will be completed shortly and the claim to unemployment assistance will then be decided.
340.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is being paid at the weekly rate of £4.00 which is the maximum entitlement in his case having regard to his means which are derived from land owned by himself and by his wife.
He has not appealed against the assessment but if he wishes to do so he should complete the appropriate form which may be obtained at his local office and his case will be reviewed.
341.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 1 January 1983 to 17 January 1983 and again from 24 January 1983. He has been paid all benefit due, including pay-related benefit, up to 7 February 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received from him.
342.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed children's allowance on the 19th August 1982 in respect of her son born on the 15th April 1981 and was awarded an allowance from September 1982.
This was the earliest date from which payment could be made to her as she had not claimed the allowance within three months of the date of birth of her child. Accordingly, there are no arrears of children's allowance due to the person concerned.
She is at present in receipt of a monthly allowance of £45 in respect of her four qualified children.
343.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a medical referee's decision to refuse a medical card will be reinvestigated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she is receiving treatment for a back ailment.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 20 November 1981 to 23 October 1982. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the decision and in connection with her appeal she was examined on 15 December 1982 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work.
She was notified of the result of this examination and supplied with a form on which to set out the grounds for an appeal if she wished her case to be referred to an appeals officer for determination. She has not returned the appeal form to date. A duplicate form has since been issued to her and when it is completed and returned to the Department her appeal will receive further consideration.
It is understood that she has not applied for a medical card.
344.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the pay related portion of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
All pay-related benefit due to the person concerned to 4 January 1983, after which date he was certified fit to resume work, has been paid.
345.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded a living alone allowance with effect from 3 December 1982. An allowance book with orders payable from that date has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
346.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when all the children's allowances which are owed will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension.
Arrangements have been made to have arrears of £140, being £17.50 per week in respect of two qualified children for eight weeks from Friday, 12 November 1982 to Friday 24 December 1982, inclusive, including the extra week's payment in December 1982, paid and a payable order for this amount will issue within the next day or two.
347.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if payment will be expedited.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 7 February 1983, the date of the latest medical evidence received, less amounts of supplementary welfare allowance advanced. Future payments will be made on receipt of medical evidence of continuing incapacity.
348.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that disability benefit cheques are paid regularly to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 7 January 1982 and payments are issued to him as medical certificates are received in the Department.
349.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance payments will be resumed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will have this case re-investigated and the payments increased.
The person concerned is presently in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £21.80 being the maximum rate payable to him £57.95 less means £36.15, derived from self-employment at fishing. The amount of means in his case was determined by an appeals officer on 18 October 1982.
If he considers his means have changed it is open to him to apply for a re-assessment of his means. An application form for this purpose is obtainable at his local office and when he completes it his case will be referred to a social welfare officer for a further investigation. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the report on his case.
350.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have unemployment assistance increased to the maximum rate for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The means of the person concerned have been assessed at nil with effect from 22 December 1982 and she is entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate payable to her £25.45 from that date. All arrears of assistance have been paid and further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
351.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the rate of unemployment benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is presently in receipt of the maximum flat-rate unemployment benefit £52.15 payable to a married man.
He is also in receipt of pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £51.14 which is based on the amount of his reckonable earnings £7,642.00 during the relevant income tax period 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. Accordingly the combined weekly payment of £103.29 represents the full rate of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit to which he is entitled.
352.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the pay-related portion of his disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is not entitled to pay-related benefit as the weekly rate of disability benefit payable to him exceeds his average reckonable weekly earnings in 1980-1981, the income tax year relevant to his claim.
353.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit due to him to 26 January 1983, date of latest medical certificate received, less an amount which was refunded to the health board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit.
354.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 23 December 1982 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 9 December 1982.
He failed to satisfy the qualifying contribution conditions for the payment of disability benefit as an interim measure while investigation of the occupational accident was in progress, as according to the records of the Department, he had no contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year 1980-1981. A minimum of 26 such contributions are required.
Following investigation, injury benefit was awarded from 10 December 1982 and payment of benefit due in respect of the period to 12 February 1983, date of latest medical evidence received, less a sum refunded to the Mid-Western Health Board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, has been made.
Pay-related benefit was also awarded from 24 December 1982, the 13th day of incapacity, and benefit due in respect of the period up to 12 February 1983 has also been issued.
355.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the payment of unemployment benefit was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned failed to attend an interview for employment and payment of unemployment benefit was suspended from 27 January 1983 pending his explanation of the matter.
He subsequently furnished a satisfactory reason for his non-attendance and payment of benefit was restored with effect from 27 January 1983. Combined weekly payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit amounting to £49.45 continue to be made to him as they become due.
356.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could not be determined until details of his employment during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981 were known. He was asked to furnish a form P.60 or evidence of his employments but only did so on 26 January 1983. On this basis payment of unemployment benefit at the maximum rate payable to him of £52.15 was authorised.
All arrears of benefit were paid to him on 3 February 1983 and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
357.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason social welfare benefit was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin having regard to the fact that his doctor certified that he was suffering from a slipped disc and referred him for specialist attention; and in these circumstances if the appropriate weekly benefit payments will now be approved urgently.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 26 October 1982 to 3 January 1983. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He then submitted a final medical certificate from his doctor certifying him as fit to resume work on 5 January 1983.
He again claimed disability benefit from 13 January 1983 in respect of the same incapacity. A further examination by a different medical referee has been arranged for 21 February 1983 and his entitlement to benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
358.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
All disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to the person concerned to 3 February 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been paid.
359.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance from 6 October 1981 to 4 January 1983 after which he ceased signing as unemployed when admitted to hospital. He resumed signing as unemployed on 20 January 1983 and payment was restored from that date. Weekly payments at £28.95 are being made to him as they become due.
360.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is no longer the holder of a qualification certificate which is a pre-requisite for entitlement to unemployment assistance. The certificate which he held was revoked from 8 December 1982 on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means, derived from self-employment selling timber and handywork, he failed to show that his means do not exceed the statutory limit. If the person concerned is now prepared to disclose full particulars of his means, his case will be reviewed if he gets in touch with his local office.
361.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
All arrears of unemployment benefit due to the person concerned, less advances of supplementary welfare allowance which were recouped to the local health authority, were paid to him on 19 January 1983. Further payments of benefit at £81.95 are being made to him as they become due.
362.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
363.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
In the case of the persons concerned, under the regulations they cannot be treated as unemployed if the remuneration or profit which they derive from their holdings exceeds £2 a day or if they have less than 78 employment contributions paid during the previous three years.
The persons concerned have not got the required 78 contributions in the previous three years. It is necessary, therefore, to assess the income from their holdings in order to determine whether they satisfy the alternative condition. Arrangements have been made to carry out an early assessment and a decision as to entitlement to unemployment benefit will then be given without delay. In the meantime, unemployment assistance at a weekly rate appropriate to their means is being paid.
364.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned, whose husband died on 20 December 1946, was in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension from April 1949 until May 1966 when it was terminated on the grounds that her means exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of pension.
Her recent application was refused on the grounds that her means, derived solely from a British retirement pension, still exceed the statutory limit for a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children. She was notified of this decision on 27 January 1983 and of her right, if dissatisfied, to appeal against it. No appeal has been received to date.
The statutory limit will be raised from 1 July next consequent on the increased rates of pension payable from that date which were announced recently in the budget and the person concerned is advised to re-apply from that date.
365.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused a free telephone rental allowance; and when a free electricity allowance will be approved for him.
One of the conditions for the receipt of a free telephone rental allowance is that the applicant must be living alone or only with another person or persons who are permanently incapacitated.
As the person concerned is residing with his daughter, who is not from the information furnished a permanently incapacitated person, his application for the free telephone rental allowance has been disallowed.
The same condition does not apply to the free electricity allowance. For this allowance the person concerned may have living with him dependent children. Accordingly, his application for free electricity allowance has been approved and the ESB have advised that the allowance will appear on his January-February 1983 electricity account.
366.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 7 October 1982 but his claim was disallowed because he did not satisfy the contribution conditions during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. Neither was he entitled to unemployment assistance as the amount of means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate payable to him.
However, a new benefit year commenced on 3 January 1983 and following inquiries it was established that he satisfied the contribution conditions during the appropriate contribution period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. His claim for unemployment benefit has been allowed at £68.05 weekly from 3 January 1983 and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week. Further weekly payments will be made to him as they become due.
367.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The inquiries which were necessary to establish the contribution record of the person concerned have now been completed and his unemployment benefit claim has been allowed at the rate of £29.30 weekly. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
368.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The claim to unemployment benefit of the person concerned has been disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that he did not satisfy the condition of being available for employment. It is open to him if he is dissatisfied with the decision to appeal and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his nearest local office.
369.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance in respect of a girl who is still at school will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Children's allowance was paid in respect of the child in question up to and including June 1982 as the school authorities certified that she would be in full-time education up to that date.
No application for a further continuation of allowance in respect of this child has been received in my Department. However, the appropriate application form has been issued to the claimant for completion. When the completed form is returned to my Department the claim will be decided and any allowance due will be issued.
370.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
All disability benefit due to the person concerned from 12 November 1982 and pay-related benefit due from 26 November 1982, 13th day of incapacity, to 7 February 1983, date of the latest medical evidence received, has been issued.
371.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated. On completion of inquiries it will be referred to the local pension committee for decision. If a pension is recommended it will be put into payment provisionally pending the committee's decision.
372.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.
The person concerned was in continuous receipt of disability benefit from May 1981 to 4 November 1982. Her claim was disallowed for the statutory period of six weeks from 5 November 1982 as she failed to produce good cause for her non-attendance for examination by a medical referee of the Department on that date. On the expiry of the six weeks period on 16 December 1982 payment was not restored as further medical evidence of her incapacity had not been received in the Department.
Medical evidence of continuous incapacity together with medical evidence of her inability to attend for medical examination on 5 November 1982 has since been received. Payment has now been restored and a cheque paying disability benefit due from 5 November 1982 has been issued.
373.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is receiving disability benefit cheques on an irregular basis.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit since 19 August 1982 and all benefit due to him to 2 February 1983, date of latest medical certificate received has been paid. Benefit is being paid as medical certificates are received in the Department and an examination of payments made during the month of January shows that there was no undue delay in the issue of cheques.
374.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied.
Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
375.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of the person concerned was that following a re-investigation of his means in September 1982 his weekly means were increased from £12.10 to £31.30 derived from his farm and from capital. This increase in his means resulted in a corresponding reduction in his unemployment assistance entitlement which at present stands at £3.80 a week (the appropriate rate in his case £35.10 less means of £31.30).
He has appealed against the amount of the means assessment in his case and the matter has been referred to a social welfare officer for examination before being referred to an appeals officer. His entitlement will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
376.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The entitlement to unemployment benefit of the person concerned could not be determined until certain inquiries to establish whether he fulfilled the condition of being available for work had been completed.
These investigations were recently completed and his unemployment benefit claim was allowed at the rate of £68.05 weekly. All arrears due were paid to him on 11 February 1983 and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
377.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry does not qualify for unemployment assistance.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 6 January 1983. In order to be eligible for unemployment assistance a person must be the holder of a qualification certificate which is a statement of his means. The means of the person concerned are at present being investigated by a social welfare officer and when the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
378.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of replacing pension books when an increase is made in any given budget.
Budget increases are normally implemented by means of supplementary pension books rather than replacing pension books already issued. The number of supplementary pension books required depends on the date from which the increases are due to take effect. Sometimes it is possible to incorporate the increase in a normal six-monthly renewal.
This year, however, it will be necessary to issue supplementary pension books to all pensioners — some 355,000. The cost of doing this is estimated at about £250,000.
379.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned applied for a qualification certificate for unemployment assistance on 29 October 1982. Unemployment assistance has been authorised at the weekly rate of 95p which is the appropriate maximum rate of £57.95 less means £57.00 derived from self employment as a plumber. Weekly payment will commence this week when all arrears due will also be paid.
380.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having unemployment assistance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
There is no trace of an unemployment assistance claim for the person named by the Deputy. It is presumed however that a person residing at the address supplied with a different christian name is the person concerned.
This person applied for unemployment assistance on 1 February 1983 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
381.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim to unemployment assistance of the person concerned has been allowed at the maximum rate of £25.45 applicable to a single person. All arrears due to him were paid on 10 February 1983 and further weekly payments will continue as they become due.
382.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a children's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The delay in dealing with this case was due to the fact that the papers relating to the claim for the continuation of an allowance to a child over the age of 16 years, were mislaid.
The matter has since been rectified and a children's allowance book in respect of the period December 1982 to June 1983 was issued to the person concerned on 12 January 1983. A payable order for the arrears due from August 1982 to November 1982 was issued on 2 February 1983.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of a monthly allowance of £73.75 in respect of her six qualified children.
383.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The claim to unemployment benefit of the person concerned has been allowed at the maximum rate for a single man £26.25. All arrears due to him will be paid this week by pay order cashable at his local post office. Further weekly payments will continue as they become due.
384.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 21 January 1983 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
385.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
386.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of injury benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.
Payments in respect of the periods referred to have been made as follows.
PAYMENTS MADE
|
Date |
Amount |
Period covered |
|
4-1-1983 |
86.90 |
16-12-82 to 22-12-1982 |
|
10-1-1983 |
173.80 |
23-12-82 to 5-1-1982 |
|
24-1-1983 |
173.80 |
6-1-83 to 19-1-1983 |
|
7-2-1983 |
173.80 |
20-1-83 to 26-1-1983 |
|
7-2-1983 |
86.90 |
20-1-83 to 2-2-1983 |
The person concerned was entitled to injury benefit at the rate of £86.90 a week up to 3 January 1983 the end of the maximum period of 26 weeks for which injury benefit is payable in respect of an occupational accident. He was paid injury benefit however in respect of the period up to 2 February 1983 when he was transferred to disability benefit at the rate of £75.00 a week with effect from 4 January 1983. As a result he was overpaid benefit amounting to £138.46. He is not qualified for pay-related benefit in the absence of any earnings in the relevant tax year 1980-81.
The Department will be in touch with the person concerned about an acceptable arrangement for the recovery of the overpayment.
387.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit which was applied for four months ago will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A claim for benefit was received from the person concerned on 5 January 1983 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 1 December 1982.
Injury benefit has been paid to him in respect of the period from 3 December 1982 to 16 December 1982 and disability benefit has been paid in respect of the period from 17 December 1982 to 31 January 1983 after which date he was certified fit to resume work. Pay-related benefit in respect of the period from 17 December 1982, the thirteenth day of incapacity to 31 January 1983 has also been paid.
388.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he now will qualify for unemployment benefit.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 11 April 1979 to 27 November 1982. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the decision and, in connection with his appeal, he was examined on 12 January 1983 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has since been referred to an appeals officer, who proposes to hold an oral hearing of the appeal at an early date. The claimant will be informed when the arrangements for the hearing of the case have been made.
389.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The claim to unemployment benefit of the person concerned was refused on the grounds that he failed to satisfy the contribution condition which requires that he must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year from 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. He had only 16 such contributions in that period.
390.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of deserted wife's allowance which is due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A payable order for arrears of deserted wife's allowance due to the person concerned for the period from 17 June 1982 to 17 November 1982, less deductions in respect of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Southern Health Board during that time, has been sent to her.
391.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application was made some time ago.
It has not been possible from the information supplied to trace a non-contributory old age pension claim in this case. If the Deputy could supply further details, particularly the pension number and date of claim, the matter will be further investigated.
392.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to sanction a free telephone rental allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for some time.
The conditions of the free telephone rental allowance scheme require that the qualified pensioner be either living entirely alone or living only with person who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to obtain aid in an emergency.
The person referred to in the Deputy's question is residing with her daughter who is not an incapacitated person and a free telephone rental allowance could not, therefore, be granted to her.
393.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as she has been signing for eleven weeks, has been contributing for the past six years and has been genuinely seeking work.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against this decision and attended an oral hearing at which she gave evidence on her own behalf. However, the appeals officer upheld the decision of the deciding officer disallowing her claim.
It would be open to the person concerned to apply again for unemployment benefit if there is a change in her circumstances which would enable her to be available for employment.
394.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied for unemployment assistance investigated as a matter of urgency as he has been signing for the past four weeks.
In order to be eligible for unemployment assistance a person must be the holder of a qualification certificate which is a statement of his means. Arrangements have been made for a social welfare officer to visit the person concerned this week to investigate his means. On receipt of his report entitlement to assistance will be determined without delay.
In the meantime it is open to him to apply to his local community welfare officer for supplementary welfare allowance pending a decision on his unemployment assistance claim.
395.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied for unemployment assistance investigated as a matter of urgency as he has been signing for the past four weeks.
The application for unemployment assistance of the person concerned has been allowed at the appropriate weekly rate of £25.45 applicable to a person with nil means living in a rural area. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week and weekly payments will continue as they become due.
396.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will arrange to have alternative benefit paid to him.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 1 February 1982 to 2 February 1983.
Payment of disability benefit ceased from 2 February, 1983 as he had less than the required minimum of 156 paid contributions to his credit since his entry into insurance to entitle him to further payment. This was his maximum entitlement as, according to the records of my Department, he has only a total of 123 paid employment contributions to his credit since his entry into insurance. He would need at least 13 further weeks of insurable employment before he could again qualify for disability benefit.
If his means are insufficient he may be entitled to supplementary welfare allowance. To apply for this he should contact his local community welfare officer at the South-Eastern Health Board, Aras Sláinte, Patrick Street, Kilkenny.
397.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been investigated and forwarded to the local pension committee for decision with a recommendation that pension at the maximum rate of £34.45 a week plus £15.50 dependent child allowance is payable from 16 August 1982.
Pending the committee's decision pension books payable from 4 February 1983 have been issued on a provisional basis and a payable order for arrears covering the period from 20 August 1982 to 28 January 1983 is in course of issue.
398.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
All disability benefit due has been paid to the person concerned following a decision in his favour by an appeals officer on 1 February 1983.
399.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the constant delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Payment of disability benefit has issued to the person concerned on receipt of weekly medical evidence.
Since the beginning of January 1983 payments issued as follows:—
|
Period of Payment |
Date Cheque Issued |
|
|
29-12-1982 |
— 4-1-1983 |
7-1-1983 |
|
5-1-1983 |
— 11-1-1983 |
13-1-1983 |
|
12-1-1983 |
— 18-1-1983 |
20-1-1983 |
|
19-1-1983 |
— 25-1-1983 |
31-1-1983 |
|
26-1-1983 |
— 1-2-1983 |
4-2-1983 |
|
2-2-1983 |
— 8-2-1983 |
10-2-1983 |
In the case of the cheque issued on Monday 31 January 1983, the relevant medical certificate was received in the Cork Employment Exchange on Wednesday, 26 January 1983 and in the Department's headquarters in Dublin on Thursday, 27 January 1983.
400.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason injury benefit has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned was paid occupational injury benefit for a maximum period of twenty-six weeks from 29 April 1982 to 27 October 1982.
From 28 October 1982 his claim was treated as one to disability benefit and he was paid at a reduced rate based on the 1980-81 insurance record then available to the Department (a total of 36 contributions paid and credited in the 1980-81 year). Following inquiries, it has since been established that he has 50 contributions paid and credited in the 1980-81 year and is therefore qualified for benefit at the maximum rate. He was also underpaid pay-related benefit.
A cheque for the arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 7 February 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received, was issued to him on 14 February 1983. His present weekly rate of payment is £87.91 which includes a sum of £28.26 in respect of pay-related benefit.
Pay-related benefit is normally paid for a period of 63½ weeks during a period of interruption of employment. There are four phases of benefit.
Phase 1 is paid for a period of 24½ weeks at 40 per cent of reckonable earnings in the relevant income tax year governing the claim. Phase 2 covers a period of 13 weeks at 30 per cent of reckonable earnings from the 159th day of incapacity. Phase 3 covers a further period of 13 weeks at 25 per cent of reckonable earnings from the 237th day of incapacity. Phase 4 is payable from the 315th day of incapacity at 20 per cent of reckonable earnings in the relevant income tax year.
The claimant is being paid phase 3 of pay-related benefit (£28.26) from 31 January 1983.
401.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension was withdrawn in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
A routine re-investigation has revealed that the means of the person concerned are greater than disclosed at the original investigation of his old age pension claim and are, in fact, in excess of the statutory limit of £38 a week. As a result his pension book has been withdrawn and a question for revocation of his pension from 19 November 1982 has been raised and forwarded to the Old Age Pension Committee for decision.
If he is not satisfied with the decision of the Committee it will be open to him to appeal against it.
402.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons additional disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin.
The person concerned had been in receipt of disability benefit since January 1977.
Due to an administrative error there was delay in dealing with a claim for an increase in respect of a second child dependant. The matter has now been rectified and a cheque representing arrears of disability benefit due has been issued.
The claimant was disallowed disability benefit from 31 January 1983 as a result of a medical examination on 21 January 1983 by a medical referee of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She has appealed against the decision to disallow her claim but she has not submitted medical evidence of incapacity since she was found capable of work. The claimant was informed of the position on 9 February 1983 and requested to submit medical evidence in support of her appeal.
403.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the rate of unemployment benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned applied for and was allowed unemployment assistance from 1 September 1982. He is receiving weekly payments of £43.95 which is the appropriate maximum rate of unemployment assistance for a married man with nil means living in a rural area.
404.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated. On completion of inquiries it will be referred to the local Pension Committee for decision.
If payment of pension is recommended by the Social Welfare Officer it will be put into effect provisionally pending the Committee's decision.
405.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age pension at the maximum rate since 18 August 1975. She is at present receiving £34.45 per week which is the maximum rate of pension payable to a person under 80 years of age who is not living alone.
406.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A repeat claim to old age pension which was received from the person concerned on 7 January 1983 is under investigation at present. When the Social Welfare Officer has completed his inquiries the claim will be forwarded to the local Pension Committee for decision. If payment of pension is recommended it will be put into payment provisionally pending the Committee's decision.
407.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age pension at the rate of £18.45 a week. This is the rate of pension appropriate to a person whose means are between £20 and £22 weekly. He applied for an increase in pension but his application was disallowed by an Appeals Officer as his means assessed at £21.42 weekly, consisting of beneficial occupation of a holding and capital, do not warrant payment of pension at a higher rate.
408.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £21.88 has been authorised in the case of the person concerned with effect from 28 January 1983, the 13th day of his claim. All arrears of pay-related benefit due to him will be issued by pay order together with his current week's unemployment benefit of £31.65 on Thursday 17 February 1983 for encashment at his local post office. Further combined weekly payments of £53.53 will continue as they become due.
409.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and when the arrears will be paid.
The title of the person concerned to disability benefit ceased after 52 weeks as he has less than the required minimum 156 paid contributions to his credit since his entry into insurance. According to the records of the Department he has only 48 such paid contributions. He has been notified accordingly.
He cannot requalify for further payment of disability benefit until he resumes employment and has at least thirteen additional contribution weeks of insurable employment.
410.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned has been allowed unemployment assistance from 26 May 1982 at the weekly rate of £13.65. This is the appropriate maximum rate of £21.20 in his case less means of £7.55 derived from his farm and from rental income from house property.
Weekly payments to the person concerned commenced on 16 December 1982 when all arrears due to him were also paid. The weekly payments of £13.65 continue to be made as they become due.
411.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be reached in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as to when his claim for unemployment assistance in November 1982, which has been investigated by a Social Welfare officer, will be sorted out.
The person concerned applied for a Qualification Certificate and Unemployment Assistance on 5 November 1982. A Qualification Certificate for nil means has been issued to him and Unemployment Assistance has been authorised for him at £25.45 weekly, the appropriate maximum rate in his case.
Payment of Unemployment Assistance will commence this week and any arrears due since 5 November 1982 less Supplementary Welfare Allowance he received will be paid shortly.
412.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance which was claimed on 1 August 1982 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the reason for the long delay in making payment.
Arrangements have been made to pay unemployment assistance to the person concerned this week at the weekly rate of £50.35, being the appropriate maximum rate in his case £57.95 less £7.60 means, derived from his self-employment as a painter/decorator. Arrears of unemployment assistance due to him less the amount of Supplementary Welfare advanced to him by the SouthEastern Health Board in the meantime, will be paid shortly. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
A decision on his application was delayed because he was not available for interview when a Social Welfare Officer called at his home on two occasions to interview him for the purpose of assessing his means even though the officer had made known his intention to call.