asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have an old age pension book returned to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
849.
Following a routine re-investigation of the entitlement of the person concerned to old age pension, which revealed a substantial increase in her means consisting of British retirement pension, a question for revocation of her pension with effect from 22 April 1983 has been referred to the local pension committee for decision. Her pension has been suspended with effect from 22 April 1983 pending the pension committee's decision.
If the person is dissatisfied with the decision, she will have the right of appeal against it.
850.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 29 March 1983 and was paid to 16 April 1983 following receipt of a letter from the claimant stating that he had resumed work on 18 April 1983.
The claimant subsequently submitted medical evidence to the effect that he did not resume work until 25 April 1983 and a cheque for the arrears of benefit payable on his claim was issued on 30 June 1983.
851.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a deserted wife's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
937.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for a deserted wife's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 851 and 937 together.
The claim to deserted wife's allowance benefit of the person concerned is at present under investigation.
The claimant has been interviewed by a local officer of the Department but it is also necessary to have her husband interviewed in order to obtain his version of the circumstances of the case. It is hoped that this interview will take place at an early date and when the local officer's report is received a decision will be given without delay and the claimant will be notified.
852.
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 was awarded a living alone allowance of £2.70 per week with effect from 9 July 1982, increased to £3.00 per week with effect from 1 July 1983.
A pension order book at the rate of £2.70 per week payable from 1 April 1983 was issued to the post office of payment on 8 June 1983 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. A supplementary book for 30p per week, payable from 1 July 1983, has also been sent to the post office for her.
The arrears of allowance for the period from 9 July 1982 to 31 March 1983 were issued direct to her on 24 June 1983 by means of a payable order.
853.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned made a claim for injury benefit on 23 March 1983 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 9 March 1983.
Following completion of investigations arising from the accident injury benefit was awarded from the date of the accident at the rate of £34.45 a week.
All injury benefit in respect of the period to 20 June 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received has been paid.
In the absence of an underlying title to disability benefit he was not qualified for pay-related benefit.
854.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as she has reached 80 years.
The person concerned has been in receipt of widow's contributory pension since May 1976. She reached 80 years of age on 20 March 1983 and from 25 March (the Friday following her eightieth birthday) she received an increase of £2.50 per week making her pension £39.45 per week. It was confirmed from the post office of payment that the orders at the increased rate were cashed.
As a result of the improvements in social welfare payments announced in the February budget the claimant became entitled to an increase of £4.75 per week in her rate of pension with effect from 1 July 1983. A supplementary book for this amount was recently issued to her post office of payment for collection by her.
855.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance payments will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £10.65 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parent's home. The assessment of his means at £10.65 was upheld by an appeals officer.
He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £14.80 weekly maximum rate £25.45 less £10.65, increased to £17.35 weekly maximum rate £28.00 less £10.65 from 29 June 1983 date of general increases in the rate of unemployment assistance.
He recently applied for a review of his means and arrangements are being made to have his case investigated by a social welfare officer. His means will be reviewed in the light of his report and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
856.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The claim of the person concerned to a widow's non-contributory pension has been refused because her means, derived from capital and a share in a business, exceed the statutory limit of £42.00 per week for receipt of pension by a widow over 66 years of age with no qualified children. She has been advised of the decision refusing her claim and of her right, if she is dissatisfied, to appeal against it.
857.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when up to date disability benefits will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit due from 17 May 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 24 June 1983, less supplementary welfare allowance advanced from 21 May 1983 to 24 June 1983. He is not entitled to payment of pay-related benefit as he had insufficient earnings in 1981-1982, the tax year relevant to his claim.
858.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when occupational injury benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare.
A claim for injury benefit was received from the person concerned on 7 June 1983 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 18 May 1983.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was paid disability benefit as an interim measure from 23 May 1983, the fourth day of incapacity. He was also paid pay-related benefit from 9 June 1983, the nineteenth day of incapacity.
Following completion of investigations injury benefit was awarded from the date of the accident at the rate of £43.55 a week.
Injury benefit over and above the disability benefit already paid in respect of the period to 11 June 1983. All injury benefit and pay-related benefit has been paid in respect of certified periods of incapacity to date.
859.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 has been cut off her disability benefit without any medical examination or any other warning whatsoever.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 14 June 1982 and payment on the claim was issued for 52 weeks to 15 June 1983.
In order to qualify for payment from 16 June 1983 she was required to have at least 156 paid contributions since her entry into insurance but as only 99 contributions were recorded under her RSI number payment was suspended.
However, following inquiries it was established that she had additional contributions under an old insurance number which entitled her to continuous payment of benefit.
Arrears of benefit for the period 16 June to 29 June 1983, the date of the latest medical evidence received, have now been issued to the claimant.
860.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for unemployment benefit during the governing contribution period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 as she has less than 26 contribution weeks paid or credited during the period.
She was written to and asked to furnish details of any employment she may have had to enable her record to be confirmed but she has not so far replied.
861.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 6 June 1983 and has been paid at the appropriate rate for a married couple from 9 June 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 20 June 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received.
The previous claim mentioned in the note submitted with the question was in respect of the period from 28 February 1983 to 5 March 1983, a total of six days. Benefit at the rate for a married couple was paid for three of these days, 3, 4 and 5 March, no benefit being payable for the first three days of the claim.
862.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he did not fulfil the condition of being available for work. He appealed against the disallowance but following an oral hearing of his appeal an appeals officer upheld the decision in his case.
He continued to sign as unemployed and his case is being reviewed at present. When inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome of the investigation.
He is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
863.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self-employment on a casual basis with his nephew, exceeded the statutory limit.
If he is dissatisfied with the decision in his case it is open to him to appeal and to have his means assessed by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
864.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 18 March 1983 and was paid to 18 June 1983, less amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the Western Health Board. Payment was discontinued after that date following a review of his case when it was discovered that he had insufficient contributions paid or credited on his behalf for him to have a title to benefit. It was subsequently established that the claimant was working in Great Britain at intermittent intervals during the period from 1965 to 1968. Inquiries are being made concerning his British employment record for this period and when they are completed his claim for benefit will be reviewed.
865.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
An applicant for unemployment benefit is not considered to be unemployed if he receives remuneration at a rate in excess of £2.00 daily from a subsidary occupation such as farming. The limit of £2.00 daily may only be exceeded when the applicant has record of at least 78 paid contributions in the three years prior to his claim.
The person concerned does not satisfy the condition of having 78 contributions paid during the three years prior to his current claim. His case was referred to a social welfare officer to investigate the value of his holding and inquiries are still being made in the matter. When these inquiries are completed the income will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment benefit determined accordingly.
He was invited to claim unemployment assistance pending the outcome of his unemployment benefit application but declined to do so. He is understood to have returned to work on 2 June 1983.
866.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 17 December 1982 to 31 January 1983. He is not, however, qualified for payment of that benefit as he has not the required minimum of 26 paid contributions at the appropriate rate since he entered insurable employment.
The claimant was employed as a trainee with AnCO prior to the commencement of his illness. Employment in that capacity is insurable at a modified rate of employment contribution which is reckonable for a limited range of benefits only, excluding disability benefit.
867.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, payment on behalf of her grand-daughter was stopped on 1 April 1983 even though she is a student of UCC; if he will now have any arrears paid to her; and the reason for the change.
No payments have been made in respect of the child in question since Friday 8 April 1983 because of the fact that she attained the age of 18 years on 3 April 1983. Up to 8 April 1983 her grand-father was paid an increase in his pension in respect of her but this could not be paid after she attained 18 years regardless of whether or not she was in full-time education.
Following her grand-father's death a widow's contributory pension was awarded to her grand-mother at the maximum personal over 66 years rate of £36.95 per week with effect from 10 June 1983. A child increase can be paid on a widow's pension in respect of a qualified child who is aged between 18 and 21 and in full-time education by day. The grand-mother of the child would therefore be entitled to an increase in pension in respect of her.
She is aware of her possible entitlement to an increase in respect of the child and a form on which to claim the increase has been sent to her. She has been advised that this form should be completed and returned when the child resumes full-time education after the holiday period. Her entitlement to an increase in respect of the child will then be considered and if in order will be back-dated to 10 June 1983.
868.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £30.00 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parent's home and from self-employment. The means assessed against him exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him £25.45 weekly increased to £28.00 weekly from 29 June 1983 and accordingly his claim had to be disallowed.
If he is dissatisfied with the decision in his case it is open to him to appeal and to have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
869.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
A claim from the person concerned for a widow's non-contributory pension was received in the Department on 30 May 1983. The claimant's circumstances are at present being investigated by a local officer and when the report is received a decision on her claim will be given without delay.
870.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a death grant will be paid to the relatives of a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he died some time ago and the reason for the delay.
One of the conditions for the receipt of a death grant is that there must be not less than 26 contribution weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions have been paid between 1 October 1970 and the date of death or the attainment of pension age. The conditions must be satisfied on the insurance record of the deceased or the spouse of the deceased. A grant on the death of a father is not payable on the insurance record of his son.
Employment contributions reckonable for death grant are not payable in respect of a person who has attained pension age. The deceased was over pension age on 1 October 1970 when the scheme was introduced. The above-mentioned contribution condition is not satisfied and a grant is not therefore payable.
The deceased's son who claimed the grant was notified to this effect on 26 April 1983.
871.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 29 March 1983. His claim for an old age contributory pension was received on 13 April 1983.
He was entitled to the pension with effect from 1 April 1983 at the rate of £40.25 per week which was the maximum personal rate then payable to a person under 80 years of age. A pension book containing orders payable at this rate from 13 May 1983 was issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he was notified accordingly. The arrears of pension in respect of the period from 1 April to 12 May are in the course of being issued by payable order.
His wife is in receipt of a non-contributory old age pension at a weekly rate which exceeds the amount of the adult dependant's allowance which would otherwise be payable to him.
872.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to 9 July 1983.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Accordingly arrangements are being made to have him referred for medical referee examination on 18 July 1983. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of that examination.
873.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being assessed on part of his father's income, as he resides in a separate home to his; and if unemployment assistance will be paid to him as he is living with his sister, who is an unmarried mother.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £8.40 derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parent's home. He was paid unemployment assistance at £17.05 weekly being the maximum rate payable £25.45 less £8.40 up to 19 April 1983.
Following a review of his case his claim was disallowed from 20 April 1983 on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He subsequently applied for a reinvestigation of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for this purpose. When the investigations are completed his means will be reassessed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
874.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for work, An applicant who restricts her availability for employment to part-time work is not regarded as available for work for the purposes of her unemployment benefit claim.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 17 May 1983 on the grounds that her availability for work was limited to part-time employment and she was accordingly not available for work.
She appealed against the disallowance and an oral hearing of her case has been arranged to take place on Wednesday, 13 July 1983. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
875.
Mr. O'Keeffe
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a retirement pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned will reach age 65 on 2 August 1983 and has been awarded a retirement pension with effect from 4 August 1983 at the rate of £73.90 per week. This includes an adult dependant's allowance of £28.80 in respect of his wife. The Department will write to him regarding this award.
876.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give an explanation as to the total amount of unemployment and pay-related benefits paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is not satisfied with the rate being paid to him; and if any money is outstanding, if it will be paid.
The entitlement of a claimant to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the total weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of his average weekly net earnings.
The 85 per cent limit applicable to the person concerned is £60.76. He is qualified for maximum flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to him £52.15 but the weekly rate of pay-related benefit was limited to £8.61 weekly to comply with the 85 per cent condition and the combined payment of £60.76 represented all weekly benefit due to him.
His rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit was increased to £57.35 weekly from 30 June 1983 and accordingly the rate of pay-related benefit payable from that date had to be reduced to £3.41 weekly. Combined payments continue to be made to him as weekly payments become due.
877.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit. He claimed unemployment assistance on 11 April 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means.
His entitlement to unemployment assistance could not be determined until all inquiries were completed following which he was assessed with nil means and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate payable to him of £25.45.
All arrears due were paid on 26 May 1983 and weekly payments continue to be paid as they become due. His rate was increased to £28.00 weekly from 29 June 1983.
878.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance or benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he applied approximately two months ago and to-date has not been made aware of the decision.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit is governed by his contribution record during the period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. The Department have no record of contributions in respect of this period and he was asked to furnish a form P.60 or a statement from his employer to enable his contribution record to be determined but to-date has not done so. The matter of apparent non-compliance by his employer has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigations.
He was invited to claim unemployment assistance pending the outcome of his unemployment benefit claim. However he was not prepared to disclose his means to the investigating social welfare officer. He has been written to and advised that unless he discloses his means his application for unemployment assistance would have to be disallowed but he has not replied to-date.
879.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for this change as he has not been paid now for some time.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 25 May 1983 on the grounds that by failing to notify that his wife was engaged in employment he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He applied for a review of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for a reinvestigation of his means. When the inquiries are completed the assessment of his means will be reviewed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
880.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension book will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to 9 July 1983.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him. On its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
881.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned was in receipt of deserted wife's benefit for some years up to January 1977 when it was terminated because she had not continued to make reasonable efforts to prevail on her husband to support her, as she is required to do under the regulations governing the scheme.
A renewed claim to deserted wife's benefit made in November 1982 was also disallowed for the reason that she had not made sufficient efforts to obtain maintenance from her husband. Claimant appealed against the decision but following an oral hearing of her case the decision was upheld by an appeals officer. This decision is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of new facts or fresh evidence being brought to his notice which were not available to him at the time of the hearing.
882.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare (a) the number who received disability benefit in 1982 and the projected numbers for 1983, classified by sex and marital status; and (b) the number similarly classified who were summoned for a second medical opinion; the numbers who did not attend and the number judged to be capable of work.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
(a) The number who received disability benefit in 1982 was 281,202 classified as follows:
|
Married Men |
98,168 |
|
Single Men |
48,310 |
|
Married Women |
93,978 |
|
Single Women |
26,349 |
|
Widows |
14,397 |
The projected figures for 1983 are as follows:
|
Total number of recipients |
275,000 |
|
Married Men |
96,600 |
|
Single Men |
47,800 |
|
Married Women |
90,900 |
|
Single Women |
25,900 |
|
Widows |
13,800 |
(b) Number of recipients summoned for M.R. examination (second medical opinion):
1982
|
Total Summoned |
Men |
Women |
|
71,725 |
38,083 |
33,642 |
|
Did not attend |
||
|
32,218 |
18,844 |
13,374 |
|
Considered Capable |
||
|
9,926 |
3,930 |
5,996 |
1983 (projected)
|
Total Summonses |
Men |
Women |
|
82,000 |
43,500 |
38,500 |
|
Non attendances |
||
|
37,000 |
21,700 |
15,300 |
|
Capables |
||
|
11,300 |
4,500 |
6,800 |
Statistics by marital status regarding M.R. attendances are not maintained by the Department and therefore cannot be provided.
833.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will provide data on projected expenditure in 1983 on the following schemes: (a) disability pension; (b) invalidity pension; (c) unemployment benefit; (d) maternity allowance; (e) maternity grant; (f) orphan's contributory pension; (g) treatment benefit; (h) old age contributory pension; (i) retirement pension; (j) deserted wives benefit; (k) death grant; (l) pay related benefit; (m) occupational injuries benefit; (n) old age non contributory pension; (o) childrens' allowance; (p) unemployment assistance; (q) widows and orphans non-contributory pension, (r) social assistance; and (s) miscellaneous grants.
The information requested is as follows:—
|
1983 Projected Expenditure |
|
|
£ |
|
|
(a) Disability benefit |
165,490,000 |
|
(b) Invalidity pension |
55,470,000 |
|
(c) Unemployment benefit |
209,160,000 |
|
(d) Maternity allowance |
8,710,000 |
|
(e) Maternity grant |
100,000 |
|
(f) Orphan's contributory allowance |
1,184,000 |
|
(g) Treatment benefit |
10,600,000 |
|
(h) Old age contributory pension |
202,800,000 |
|
(i) Retirement pension |
86,830,000 |
|
(j) Deserted wives benefit |
10,776,000 |
|
(k) Death grant |
733,000 |
|
(l) Pay-related benefit |
61,306,000 |
|
(m) Occupational injuries benefits* |
19,200,000 |
|
(n) Old age non-contributory pension |
243,380,000 |
|
(o) Children's allowances |
164,700,000 |
|
(p) Unemployment assistance |
226,440,000 |
|
(q) Widow's and Orphan's non-contibutory pension |
28,960,000 |
|
(r) Social assistance and other allowances |
32,732,000 |
|
(s) Miscellaneous Grants |
73,762,000 |
* Comprises injury, disablement and survivor benefits and medical care.
884.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the low increase in unemployment assistance which was granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following the receipt of the maximum entitlement of 390 days unemployment benefit on 26 June 1982 the person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 27 June 1982. His application was authorised at the weekly rate of £16.50 being the appropriate maximum weekly rate in his case of £26.00 less means £9.50 derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parents home. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him. The appeals officer whose decision is final determined his weekly means at £9.50 from 27 June 1982, £7.50 from 29 September 1982 and £9.45 from 14 January 1983.
His weekly rate of unemployment assistance was accordingly increased to £18.50 (£26.00 less means £7.50) from 29 September 1982 reduced to £16.55 (£26.00 less means £9.45) from 14 January 1983 and increased to £19.45 (£28.90 less means £9.45) from 29 June 1983. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
885.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned submitted an application for a continuation of children's allowance on 4 May 1983 in respect of her son who reached 16 years of age on 14 March, 1983.
Children's allowance at the rate of £11.25 per month was awarded in respect of this child with effect from April 1983 and allowance books payable from that date to June 1984 were issued to the claimant on 15 June 1983. The supplementary books increased the claimant's monthly allowance to £22.50 which is the correct rate payable in respect of her two qualified children.
In view of the Deputy's question the person concerned is being contacted with a view to ascertaining whether the supplementary books were received. When a reply is received any necessary action will be taken without delay.
886.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's benefit for herself and two children with effect from 20 January 1983.
An order book, payable from 28 April 1983, has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
A payable order in respect of arrears for the period from 20 January 1983 to 27 April 1983, will be sent direct to her shortly.
887.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the non-payment in recent weeks of disability benefit to persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when the correct payments will resume; and when the money will be issued.
The person concerned was paid occupational injury benefit from 20 November 1982 for the maximum period of 26 weeks to 20 May 1983. His claim was then treated as one to disability benefit from 21 May 1983 and he has been paid to 28 June 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received.
There has been no undue delay in making payments which issue on receipt of medical evidence.
888.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a pension was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Following a review of her circumstances the rate of widow's non-contributory pension paid to the person concerned with effect from 11 June 1982 was reduced to £27.15 per week. This was the rate of pension payable to her as a widow over 66 years of age with no qualified child whose weekly means exceeded £14.00 but did not exceed £16.00; it included a living alone allowance of £2.70 per week. The claimant's means derived from a holding and capital were assessed at £15.74 per week. She appealed against the decision reducing her pension but her appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer.
As a result of the improvements in social welfare payments announced in the February budget, her rate of pension has been increased to £31.60 per week with effect from 1 July 1983.
In view of recent representations on the claimant's behalf a re-examination of her circumstances is being carried out. If there has been a change in them since last reported on, her rate of pension will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome.
889.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 25 April 1983 to 7 May 1983, from 12 May 1983 to 17 May 1983 and from 20 June 1983 to 29 June 1983. Payment was not made initially as inquiries were necessary into her contribution record for 1981-82, the contribution year governing her claim. When the arrears due were being issued on 1 July 1983, an overpayment of £117.82 was inadvertently made. A letter has been sent to her in regard to the recoupment of this amount.
890.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork did not receive disability benefit during the period from mid-April to the end of May approximately; and when the benefit will be paid.
The person concerned submitted a claim for disability benefit on 25 May 1983 in respect of an incapacity for work which commenced on 28 April 1983. Payment was disallowed from 2 May 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 16 May 1983 as he failed to give notice of his incapacity within the prescribed time (within seven days from the day on which he became incapable of work).
His claim was authorised from 17 May 1983 (seven days before the date on which notice of incapacity was given) and payment was made to 1 June 1983, after which date he was certified, by his own doctor, as fit to resume work.
Following a review of his claim, however, it has been decided having regard to the circumstances to waive the disallowance period in this case and admit payment from 2 May 1983. A cheque for the arrears of disability benefit due was issued to the claimant on 1 July 1983.
891.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for three weeks.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity for work in my Department.
In view of the duration of the claimant's illness, however, arrangements have been made to issue future payments on a regular weekly basis while medical certificates are only required at monthly intervals.
All benefit has been paid to 9 July 1983.
892.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned who applied for unemployment assistance on 12 June 1982 was paid on the basis of an existing qualification certificate with weekly means of £2.00. Following reinvestigation his weekly means were increased to £13.70 from 16 February 1983 derived from the value of board and lodgings on his brother's farm. His unemployment assistance was accordingly reduced from £23.45 (£25.45 less means £2.00) to £11.75 (£25.45 less means £13.70).
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but the appeals officer confirmed the decision in his case.
His weekly rate of unemployment assistance has been increased from 29 June 1983 to £14.30 (£28.00 less means £13.70). Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
893.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will sanction a free electricity and a free travel allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A free electricity allowance was refused in the case of the person concerned as his son, who is resident with him and receiving unemployment assistance, could not be regarded as a person who comes within the excepted categories for satisfying the "living alone" condition of the scheme.
A free travel pass was issued to the person concerned on 1 July 1983.
894.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension at the full rate was not granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It was decided by the local pension committee on 3 November 1982 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the rate of £28.45 from 26 November 1982. This is the rate appropriate to the assessment of her means consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's occupational pension and capital.
Her husband is in receipt of a contributory old age pension which includes an adult dependant allowance in respect of her. This allowance is greater than the old age pension awarded in her case and as both payments are not made concurrently, the adult dependant allowance will continue to be paid in lieu of the old age pension.
895.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 18 April 1983 was authorised at £8.15 a week, being the appropriate maximum weekly rate in his case of £25.45 less means £17.30 derived from the value of board and lodgings on his father's farm. All arrears due to him were paid on 7 June 1983. Weekly payments, increased to £10.70 (£28.00 less means £17.30) from 29 June 1983, will continue to be made as they become due.
896.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 20 December 1982 to 15 January 1983 when he ceased to sign as unemployed. He was paid unemployment benefit at the maximum weekly rate of £31.65 and all benefit due was paid. He has not to date made a claim for unemployment assistance.
897.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
According to the Department's records all arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned were paid on 26 May 1983 and weekly payments followed as they became due. His present rate of unemployment assistance is £19.35, being the maximum rate payable to him £48.35 less means £29.00 derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings.
898.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 19 April 1983 to 21 April 1983 after which date he was certified fit to resume work. Disability benefit is not payable for the first three days of any period of incapacity for work unless a person has had another claim in respect of incapacity for work or unemployment not more than three days previously. Consequently, the claimant was not entitled to payment of benefit. He subsequently submitted medical evidence to the effect that he did not resume work until 17 May 1983 and a cheque for the arrears of disability benefit payable on his claim was issued to him.
In addition a cheque for the amount of pay-related benefit payable from 12 May 1983 to 16 May 1983 was issued to the claimant on 1 July 1983.
899.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Retirement pension was awarded to the person concerned with effect from 8 July 1982.
The personal rate of retirement pension in payment at present is that appropriate to a yearly average of 35 qualifying contributions over the period from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1982. He has been awarded a further 52 credited contributions for the year ended 5 April 1983. This will result in an increased yearly average of 36 up to 5 April 1983. He qualifies therefore for the award of contributory old age pension at the rate appropriate to a yearly average of 36 contributions from 6 July 1983 when he reaches age 66. The new payment book will be issued within the next few days. An adult dependant's allowance is being paid separately to his wife.
900.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
According to the Department's records all arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned were paid on 24 March 1983 and weekly payments followed as they became due.
The present rate of unemployment assistance payable to him is £50.55 being the maximum rate £55.55 less £5.00 means derived from the profit of his licensed premises.
901.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
According to the records of the Department all arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned were paid on 12 April 1983 and weekly payments followed as they became due.
The present rate of unemployment assistance payable to him is £42.90 being the maximum rate payable to him £76.55 less £33.65 means, derived from the value of land.
902.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit at the rate appropriate to a single man in respect of the period from 6 January 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 28 January 1983. He was also paid pay-related benefit from 17 January 1983, thirteenth day of incapacity. It was subsequently established that he was married but that he had died on 31 January 1983. An adjustment cheque, paying arrears of benefit due, was issued to his widow on 4 July 1983. The adjustment cheque also included payment for the 6 weeks after her husband's death. She is in receipt of a widow's contributory pension from 18 March 1983.
903.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
According to the Department's records the person concerned is in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance since 7 December 1976 other than three days in January 1983 when he was ill and incapable of work.
He is assessed with means at £9.60 weekly derived from self-employment in the repair of cars and tractors. He was in receipt of weekly payments of £40.90 weekly up to 28 June 1983 after which his rate was increased to £45.95 weekly being the maximum weekly rate payable to him £55.55 less £9.60.
904.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was allowed pending the completion of an investigation to assess the value of his farm. An applicant for unemployment benefit with a subsidiary occupation such as farming is not considered to be unemployed if the rate of remuneration from that employment exceeds £2.00 daily. The limit of £2.00 daily can only be exceeded when the person has 78 paid contributions in the 3 contribution years prior to his claim.
The income of the person concerned was assessed as being in excess of £2.00 daily and as he did not satisfy the contribution condition of 78 contributions paid in the last three contribution years his claim was disallowed. He has appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
905.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It is presumed that the Deputy intended this parliamentary question to refer to the entitlement of the person concerned to pay-related benefit as he is in receipt of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £30.50 weekly and payment is being made to him as weekly payments become due.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the total weekly amount of pay-related benefit, unemployment benefit and income-tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings. The 85 per cent limit applicable to the person concerned is £7.30 weekly and as the rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit exceeds this amount pay-related benefit is not payable to him.
906.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit on 23 August 1982 was disallowed on the grounds that he did not satisfy the condition of having 26 employment contributions in the governing contribution year 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. He was advised of his entitlement to apply for unemployment assistance but no application to refer has been received from him. The answer provided in reply to the Deputy's written question of Tuesday 14 June 1983 was treated as appropriate to another person of the same name residing in the same general district.
907.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork even though he is forwarding medical certificates and has received no payments since 20th April, 1983.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 20 April 1982 to 21 April 1983. Payment was suspended temporarily after that date pending a review of his insurance record to establish if he had a continuing title to benefit while he remains incapable of work. It has since been established that he has the necessary contributions paid on his behalf to entitle him to continuing benefit. Consequently payment was restored from 22 April 1983. All benefit has been paid to 7 June 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received.
908.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned is 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 on a provisional basis pending the Committee's decision.
909.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person referred to in the details supplied with the question died on 15 April 1983. He had been in receipt of disability benefit at the time of his death and payment was continued to his widow for six weeks afterwards.
She applied for widow's contributory pension and this has been awarded to her at the rate of £36.25 per week with effect from 3 June 1983, increased to £40.60 per week from 1 July 1983, the maximum rates applicable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualifying children.
Pension order books covering these payments were issued on 1 July 1983 to the designated post office for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.
910.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 30 June 1982. However, his claim has not been decided pending the completion of inquiries to establish the class of insurance appropriate to his employment.
He applied for unemployment assistance on 24 May 1983 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into his means. When these inquiries are completed shortly his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
911.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have a free telephone rental granted to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow as the application has been made and substantiated.
An application for free telephone rental allowance made by the person was disallowed as he did not, on the information furnished, satisfy the living alone condition of the scheme. He was notified accordingly on 22 June 1983.
912.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit on 22 May 1983 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 20 May 1983.
Following the completion of investigations arising from the accident injury benefit was awarded from the date of the accident at the rate of £86.90 a week. Pay-related benefit was also awarded at the rate of £16.54 a week from 11 June 1983, the nineteenth day of incapacity.
Injury benefit has been paid in respect of the period from 20 May to date, together with pay-related benefit in respect of the period from 13 June to date, less a sum of £30.00 deducted towards recovery on an overpayment of benefit amounting to £203.08 on a previous claim.
Payment of the two days pay-related benefit in respect of 11 and 12 June will be made in the next cheque issued.
Normally he would have received disability benefit on an interim basis pending determination of his claim to injury benefit. Disability benefit, however, was not paid in error.
913.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when invalidity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to 9 July 1983.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
914.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
It has been decided by the local pension committee that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that his means were not fully disclosed.
915.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when invalidity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to 9 July 1983.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
916.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as he has only been granted £2.70.
Pension books in payment of pension at the weekly rate of £34.45 plus £2.70 living alone allowance with effect from 23 April 1983 were issued to the post office of payment nominated by the person concerned on 20 April 1983. The book at the £34.45 rate did not reach the pensioner and a replacement book at this rate has been issued to him.
917.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was refused and unemployment assistance granted at a reduced rate to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he did not fulfil the contribution condition during the governing contribution period 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. However it was recently ascertained that he quoted an incorrect PRSI number to his local office and enquiries are being made to clarify the matter. His contribution record will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
He continues to receive unemployment assistance and as he recently applied for a review of his means his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. The investigating officer has already made several attempts to interview the applicant but each time he was not available. He has been written to and asked to notify the social welfare officer when he is available for interview. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed when these enquiries are completed.
The present rate of unemployment assistance payable to him is £18.85 weekly being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable from 29 June 1983 £48.35 less £29.50 means.
918.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in Dublin in view of the fact that she is available for work and as she has completed her summer exams.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work as a deciding officer was of opinion that she was not genuinely seeking employment.
She appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made for an oral hearing of her appeal at the earliest opportunity. Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
919.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Dublin will receive payments in respect of medical certificates submitted in May 1983.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 14 April 1983 to 9 May 1983, after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a Medical Referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallowance and submitted a final medical certificate to the effect that he was fit to resume work on 18 May 1983. His case was referred to an appeals officer who decided that the claimant was incapable of work from 10 May 1983 to 17 May 1983 and is entitled to be paid disability benefit for that period. A cheque paying arrears of benefit due was issued on 4 July 1983.
920.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath has not been paid disability benefit since 5th June, 1983.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 6 June 1983. He was not initially qualified for payment as, according to the records of the Department, he had no contributions paid under his RSI number.
An outdoor officer of the Department investigated the case and ascertained that the claimant has 34 contributions paid in 1981/82, the contribution year governing his claim. All disability benefit due from 9 June 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to date has been issued.
He is also entitled to pay-related benefit from 27 June 1983, nineteenth day of incapacity.
921.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath has only received an increase of 30p in her contributory old age pension.
The supplementary book containing orders at £0.30 per week is in respect of the increase in living alone allowance being paid to the person concerned. A further supplementary pension book to cover the increase of £4.70 per week in her old age contributory pension was also issued.
922.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit for the past two weeks to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit due to 23 June 1983, date of latest medical certificate received.
A delay arose due to an illegible RSI number on one of the claimant's medical certificates.
923.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying pay-related benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if the appropriate pay-related benefit due to him will be paid without further delay; and the basis on which the pay-related benefit to which he is entitled is calculated.
The entitlement of an applicant to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the total weekly flat rate unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings.
Inquiries were necessary to ascertain the amount of the average net weekly earnings of the person concerned as well as the amount of his reckonable earnings during the relevant income tax period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. These inquiries were only recently completed. The 85 per cent limit applicable to him is £91.29. However, the weekly flat-rate of unemployment benefit payable to him is £75.00 weekly increased to £82.50 from 30 June 1983 when the rates of flat-rate unemployment benefit were increased. Accordingly the rate of pay-related benefit due to him was limited to £16.29 weekly from 13 April 1983 reducing to £8.79 from 30 June 1983. Arrears of pay-related benefit issued to him last week. Further combined payments at £91.29 representing flat-rate unemployment benefit £82.50 weekly and pay-related benefit £8.79 will be made as they become due.
924.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding a claim for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.
The regulations provide that the claimant, apart from satisfying the contribution conditions, must be regarded as permanently incapable of work, in order to qualify for invalidity pension.
The person concerned was examined on 9 May 1983 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work and asked to have him referred again for a further examination in three months time.
His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of this examination.
In the meantime he continues to receive disability benefit at the reduced rate of £72.30 appropriate to a married who has two qualified children.
925.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting a free telephone rental to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been approved for free telephone rental allowance and a notification to this effect issued to him on 1 July 1983.
The Department of Posts and Telegraphs has been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided.
926.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in taking a decision on the application for optical benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed optical benefit on 15 February 1983. His claim was approved on 22 February 1983 and a letter of authorisation for presentation to his optician was issued to him on that date.
He does not appear to have received this letter and accordingly a duplicate was issued to him on 1 July 1983.
927.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
The claim of the person concerned to a widow's contributory pension has been refused. The statutory contribution condition which requires a yearly average of at least 24 insurance contributions prior to her husband's death was not satisfied on her own or her husband's insurance records.
He late husband was stated to have been employed in England and the relevant papers have been forwarded to the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to have her title to a British widow's pension considered. That Department will notify her of the result.
When a copy of his United Kingdom insurance record is received from the British authorities her title to an EEC pro-rata widow's pension based on his Irish and United Kingdom insurance records will be examined here and she will be advised of the outcome.
In the meantime her possible entitlement to a non-contributory widow's pension is under investigation and as soon as the local officer's report in her case is received a decision will be given without delay.
928.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will sanction a free telephone rental allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance has not been received from the person mentioned by the Deputy in the details supplied with the question. An application form has accordingly been issued to him and on return of the completed application in the Department his entitlement to the allowance will be considered and he will be notified of the outcome.
929.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
According to the Department's records the person concerned was employed on a short-time basis during the period 12 November 1982 to 20 December 1982 and claimed unemployment benefit in respect of days of unemployment during the period.
She forwarded a form P.45 showing that she had only 20 contribution weeks during the governing contribution period 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981 and accordingly she had insufficient contributions to qualify for payment of benefit; she would require to have at least 26 contributions. She was asked to furnish details of her employment history during the period to enable further inquiries to be made but has not replied to-date.
930.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a blind persons allowance was reduced from £26.45 to £4.45 to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.
Following a review of the entitlement of the person concerned which revealed an increase in her means derived from her husband's earnings a question for reduction of her pension from £54.75 to £32.75 (including dependent child allowance of £28.30) has been referred to the local pension committee for decision.
Pension at the rate of £32.75 a week is in payment on a provisional basis pending the committee's decision. This is the rate appropriate to the latest assessment of the pensioner's means.
931.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned has been approved for free telephone rental allowance and a notification to this effect issued to her on 7 June 1983.
The Department of Posts and Telegraphs has been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided.
932.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a disability allowance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford since 21st May, 1983 despite the submission of a number of certificates.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 14 May 1983. He was not qualified for benefit at the commencement of his claim as according to the records of the Department he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credit in 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim.
Following inquiries concerning his employment record in 1981-82 it was established that he had a title to disability benefit.
All benefit has been paid to 25 June 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received.
933.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in relation to an application for an increase in unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of unemployment assistance at £17.00 a week being the appropriate maximum weekly rate in his case of £28.00 less means £11.00 derived from land. He applied for a review of his means in March 1983 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. When these inquiries are completed shortly his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of his means.
934.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when his Department will take action in respect of an expressed desire by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick to apply for invalidity pension.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to 9 July 1983.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Accordingly arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 18 July 1983. His entitlement to the pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of that examination.
935.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
A payable order for arrears of deserted wife's allowance in respect of an additional dependent child for the period from 30 September 1982 to 30 March 1983 has been sent to the person concerned.
Arrears for the period 31 March to 4 May 1983 were included in the order book sent to her on 4 May 1983 which contained orders dating from 31 March 1983.
936.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in relation to an application for pay-related benefit by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will have the matter expedited in view of the considerable delay which has occurred already.
The person concerned was paid unemployment assistance from the date of application on 3 August 1982 until he qualified for unemployment benefit on 3 January 1983. His entitlement to pay-related benefit was based on his reckonable earnings in the relevant contribution year 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. He had been self-employed in the United Kingdom during that period and his earnings from self-employment were not reckonable as earnings for the purposes of pay-related benefit as an employed person in this country.
938.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick between 5 May and 1 June 1983.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 23 February 1983 and was paid to 5 May 1983 less the amount advanced by the MidWestern Health Board.
Payment was disallowed for a period of six weeks from 6 May 1983 to 16 June 1983 following his failure to attend for examination by a medical referee on 6 May 1983. No explanation was submitted for his non-attendance.
The claimant has not submitted any medical evidence of incapacity for work subsequent to 16 June 1983.
939.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned has now been paid all disability benefit due from 19 April 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 2 July 1983, date of latest medical certificate received, less amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced.
940.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension at the full rate will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Following a review of the entitlement of the person concerned to take account of an increase in her British retirement pension, a question for reduction in her old age pension to £32.60 plus living alone allowance is being referred to the local pension committee for decision.
When her current pension books are received in the Department, pension at the rate of £32.60 plus living alone allowance will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the committee's decision. This is the rate appropriate to the latest assessment of the pensioner's means.
941.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
To qualify for unemployment assistance at the full-rate a person must be assessed with nil means. The person concerned who applied for unemployment assistance on 30 January 1982 was assessed with weekly means of £1.05 derived from the value of board and lodgings on his father's farm. Following reinvestigation his means were increased to £4.80 a week from 30 March 1983. He is currently in receipt of unemployment assistance of £23.20 a week being the appropriate maximum weekly rate in his case of £28.00 less means £4.80. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal against the amount of means assessed against him. If he completes the appeal form issued to him in April 1983 (his local office will give him any assistance he requires in completing it) his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
942.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £3.80 weekly derived from the notional value of his land and unemployment assistance was paid to him at £32.80 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £36.60 less £3.80.
His case was referred to a social welfare officer for an investigation of the income received by him from the sale and letting of turf banks. He refused to cooperate with the investigating officer and although warned that if he did not reveal details of his income consideration would be given to a suspension of payment of unemployment assistance he informed the officer that he was not prepared to co-operate at present.
Payment of unemployment assistance was suspended for this reason and a formal decision disallowing payment is being issued to the applicant. It is open to him to appeal against the disallowance.
943.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned is a postal applicant for unemployment benefit. He claimed on 17 June 1983 and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate payable to him £27.80 weekly.
An order issued to him last week for encashment at his local post office paying all benefit due to-date. Further payments will be made as they become due.
944.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he has been signing since November 1982; and when it will be paid.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 6 December 1982 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for a report on his means. The social welfare officer has made several calls on the applicant who has not been available for interview. A further effort will be made to interview him shortly and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
945.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
There are no arrears of pension due. The person concerned was overpaid living alone allowance while she was absent from the State and payment of the allowance in respect of the period 29 April-17 June 1983 was withheld to offset the overpayment.
The living alone allowance has been restored from 24 June 1983 and on arrears are now due.
946.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received a disability allowance since 4 May 1983.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 2 February 1983 but due to an administrative error her claim was admitted from 3 January 1983. Payment continued to be made to 4 May 1983 after which date payment was temporarily suspended following the discovery of the error.
The error resulted in an overpayment of £208.36 which the person concerned has agreed to refund at the rate of £10 a week. Payment of disability benefit was restored and the claimant has been paid to 22 June 1983, date of latest medical evidence received.
947.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason two children aged 12 and 13 years were omitted from the new allowance book of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was receiving family allowances for four children.
A renewal book at the rate of £45.00 should have issued to the person concerned in respect of her four qualified children. She has been asked to return her new book and when it is received the necessary adjustments in her allowance will be made without delay.