asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
480.
To satisfy the condition of being available for work an applicant for unemployment benefit must be capable of and genuinely trying to find work.
Following the completion of inquiries to ascertain what efforts she was making to find work her unemployment benefit claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. It is open to her to appeal against the disallowance of her claim. A form for this purpose may be obtained from her local office.
481.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned, who is a landholder, applied for unemployment benefit on 3 October 1983. He did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period and as inquiries revealed that the profit from his holding exceeded £2 daily his claim was disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and arrangements are being made to have his case heard at the earliest opportunity.
In the meantime he is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £73.90 being the maximum rate payable to him £93.15 less means £19.25 pending the outcome of his unemployment benefit claim.
482.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath as he applied in June 1983.
Following the assessment of means at £12.55 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parents' home further extensive inquiries had to be made to establish that he was capable of and available for work.
These inquiries were recently completed and his unemployment assistance claim was allowed from 25 May 1983 and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week.
Further payments at £15.45 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £28 less £12.55 means will be made as they become due.
483.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related and unemployment benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as it is due since 1 July 1983 as he was employed up to May 1983.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit, flat-rate unemployment benefit and income-tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of an applicant.
The 85 per cent limit applicable to the person concerned was £69.09 and as his flat-rate unemployment benefit of £74.85 weekly exceeds this amount no pay-related benefit is payable.
484.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as he applied on 10 October 1983.
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.
485.
(Limerick West): asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 November 1983. His claim has been authorised at the maximum weekly rate of £57.35 flat-rate unemployment benefit applicable in his case.
All arrears due to date were paid last week and further weekly payments will continue as they become due.
486.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Payment of disability benefit was disallowed to the person concerned from 5 December 1983 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
The claimant was informed of his right to appeal against the disallowance of benefit but has not done so to date.
487.
(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 the profit from land and from capital, were assessed as being in excess of the statutory limit.
It is open to him to appeal against the amount of means assessed against him. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
488.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disbaility benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 1 August 1983 and was paid from 4 August 1983, fourth day of incapacity. Payment is issued on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity in the Department and on this basis all disability benefit due to 26 November 1983, date of the latest medical evidence received, has been issued.
489.
(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 5 October 1981. As he had less than 156 contributions paid on his behalf since his entry into insurable employment in 1978 his entitlement to benefit was limited to 52 weeks which were exhausted on 6 October 1982. However, due to an administrative error payment was made to 10 September 1983 resulting in an overpayment of disability benefit.
According to the Department's records he has only 123 contributions paid since his entry into insurable employment.
In order to requalify for payment of benefit he would require a further 13 weeks employment for which the appropriate contributions have been paid.
490.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as he applied on 10 October 1983.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries to establish that he fulfilled the condition of being available for work had been completed.
These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the rate of £33.55 weekly and all arrears due were paid last week.
Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
491.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned did not satisfy the contribution conditions for unemployment benefit as her former employer had not paid contributions on her behalf. The case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation and her case will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the inquiries.
In the meantime the person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment assistance at the maximum weekly rate of £28 appropriate to her case. Further payments are continuing pending a decision on her entitlement to unemployment benefit.
492.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following the completion of extensive inquiries the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned has been allowed at the weekly rate of £35.60 from 3 September 1983 increasing to £37.35 from 5 October 1983.
Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week, less supplementary welfare allowance due for recoupment to her local health board.
Further weekly payments at £37.35 will be made as they become due.
493.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person in receipt of between £43-£45 per week sterling is entitled to a non-contributory pension.
The means limit for non-contributory pension is £42 a week for single persons and £84 a week for married couples. These limits are extended in the case of persons with qualified dependent children.
In the case the Deputy has in mind, if the person concerned had no other means, he would qualify for pension if he was married, or had two or more qualified dependent children. He would not qualify if he were unmarried without dependants.
If the Deputy has a specific individual in mind, it would be advisable for the person concerned to apply to the Department so that his entitlement can be determined.
494.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was authorised at the maximum rate payable to a single person with three waiting days imposed. His claim was subsequently disallowed from 17 October 1983 on the basis that he was not available for employment. He appealed against the decision but the decision was upheld by an appeals officer after an oral hearing of the case which took place on 6 December 1983. He was notified of the appeals officer's decision on 7 December 1983. He is continuing to sign as unemployed and inquiries are being made to ascertain his availability for work from 7 December 1983. His entitlement to unemployment benefit from that date will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of these inquiries.
495.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been paid full injury benefit.
The person concerned submitted a first medical certificate dated 8 September 1983. Disability benefit was allowed at the personal rate from 13 September 1983, the fourth day of incapacity. It was indicated in a completed claim form for disability benefit dated 23 September 1983 that the incapacity concerned resulted from an occupational accident on 15 September 1981. Injury benefit is confined to a maximum period of 26 weeks from the date of the occupational accident. The injury benefit claim was in respect of a period outside the injury benefit period and was disallowed accordingly.
The disability benefit claim linked with unemployment assistance with the result that disability benefit including an increase in respect of his wife was allowed from 9 September 1983, the first day of incapacity. Unemployment assistance paid to 13 September together with a balance of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the Eastern Health Board to 10 December have been withheld from arrears of disability benefit in respect of the period to 5 December, date of the last medical certificate received. Payment of the balance of £143.33 has been made.
496.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare how £45 was assessed as the means of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow when he applied for unemployment assistance, as he has no means.
The means of the person concerned were assessed on the basis of an investigation by a social welfare officer who interviewed the applicant. He informed the social welfare officer about his average weekly earnings when engaged in self-employment and this factor was taken into consideration in conjunction with the opportunities for self-employment available to him in the district in which he resides. His means were accordingly assessed at £45 weekly and this assessment was upheld by an appeals officer.
497.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a pension book will be returned to a person (detail supplied) in County Carlow as she is over 80 years and payments have ceased since October 1983.
A review of the entitlement of the person concerned revealed that her means consisting of the weekly value of capital plus the capital value of a holding, exceed the statutory limit of £42. A question for revocation of her pension is, accordingly, being referred to the local pension committee for decision. Payment of pension has been suspended pending the committee's decision.
The person concerned may, however, qualify for a non-contributory widow's pension. Her entitlement under this scheme is being examined and she will be notified of the outcome.
498.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a children's allowance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for her daughter who is still attending school and her son who is not yet 16 years of age; and if he will rectify this situation.
Due to a clerical error the claimant in this case was not paid children's allowance for her son since June 1983. She has, however, confirmed that she is in receipt of allowance for her daughter.
An allowance book at the rate of £11.25 payable from October 1983 was issued to her home address on 29 November 1983. A payable order in respect of arrears due from July 1983 is in course of issue. This allowance book increased the claimant's monthly allowance to £22.50 which is the correct rate in respect of her two qualified children.
499.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned whose husband died on 23 September 1983 claimed a widow's non-contributory pension on 23 November 1983. Before the case can be decided it is necessary to have inquiries made regarding the claimant's means. A local officer of the Department will call on her shortly in this connection and when his report is received a decision will be given without delay in her case and she will be notified of the outcome.
500.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 11 October 1982 was authorised at the weekly rate of £12.75 being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £25.45 less means £12.70 derived from the value of board and lodging on his mother's farm. Following a review of his application he was assessed with weekly means of £25 derived from the letting value of land from 5 January 1983. His unemployment assistance was accordingly reduced to 45p a week (£25.45 less means £25). He appealed against the decision and an appeals officer determined his means at £19. Unemployment assistance was reauthorised at £6.45 a week (£25.45 less £19) from 5 January 1983 increased to £9 (£28 less £19) from 29 June 1983. All arrears due will be paid this week and weekly payments of £9 will continue to be made as they become due.
501.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following a review of his case the person concerned was assessed with means £57.70 derived from the profit from land with effect from 2 November 1983. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £9.20 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £66.90 less £57.70 means. Weekly payments are being made as they become due. He obtained an appeal application form at his local office but has not returned it to date. When he does so his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
502.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit. He has, however, been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 9 February 1982 and the present rate of unemployment assistance payable to him is £28.45 weekly being the maximum rate £66.90 less means £38.45. Means in his case are derived from the profit from land and were determined by an appeals officer in January 1983.
503.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when social welfare assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following a review of his means the person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit derived from the beneficial occupation of land and from capital and accordingly his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. He appealed against the assessment of his means and an appeals officer reduced the means assessed against him to £59.50 weekly from 27 July 1983 and £58.15 from 5 August 1983. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £4.25 weekly from 27 July 1983, £5.60 weekly from 5 August 1983 and £8.75 weekly from 5 October 1983. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
504.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £30.75 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. His means exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him and accordingly his claim was disallowed from 30 August 1983. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer reduced the assessment of his means to £25 weekly. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £3 weekly from 30 August 1983 increased to £4.40 from 5 October 1983 and all arrears due have been paid. Weekly payments at £4.40 continue to be made as they become due.
505.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal, further inquiries are being made in the matter. When these inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
506.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer reduced the assessment of his means to £60 weekly. He was, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £22.95 weekly increasing to £27 weekly from 5 October 1983 and all arrears due were paid to him on 15 November 1983. Payments continue to be made as they become due.
507.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was issued with an application form for unemployment assistance on 20 October 1983 at the request of the Deputy. He has not returned the form to date, neither has he been in touch with his local office. To enable a claim for unemployment assistance to be processed the applicant should complete and return the application form and he should furnish evidence of unemployment to his local office.
508.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him derived from profit from land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement for unemployment assistance will be reviewed in accordance with the decision of the appeals officer.
509.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 15 November 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
510.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
There is no trace of the receipt in the Department of an application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned. An application form has therefore been issued to her and it should be completed and forwarded in the first instance to the ESB for attention. On receipt of the completed application in the Department the matter will be considered further and she will be notified of the outcome.
511.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Inquiries regarding the availability for employment of the person concerned were necessary before her claim could be decided. These inquiries are now completed and her claim has been authorised from the date of her claim on 27 October 1983. All arrears due have been paid and further combined payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit of £70.31 will continue as they become due.
512.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state why when assessing a person for unemployment assistance who has no income but has relatives, there is a discrepancy in the amount, derived weekly, from the value of board and lodgings.
The legislative requirement to take account of the value of board and lodging has been a feature of the unemployment assistance scheme since its inception. Its purpose is to achieve a degree of equity as between applicants whose parents are in good circumstances and those whose parents are in poor circumstances. Otherwise all such applicants would become entitled to the same level of assistance, regardless of their circumstances.
The value of board and lodgings is assessed by reference to the net parental income after deducting allowances in respect of the parents. The value of board and lodgings depends therefore on the amount of income involved. The method of assessment is outlined more fully in the summary of the criteria for assessment of means for unemployment assistance purposes which was circulated to Deputies recently. It is open to any person who considers that the amount of means assessed against him is excessive to appeal and to have his means determined by an appeals officer.
513.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the payment of unemployment assistance was stopped approximately six weeks ago in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath as he has been unemployed for three years.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned has never been in receipt of unemployment assistance. He did, however, claim unemployment assistance on 24 October 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He has been asked to furnish details of the income of the household in which he resides to enable the value of board and lodgings which he is enjoying to be assessed but he has not replied to date. When he does so his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
514.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason occupational injury benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 21 October 1982 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 15 July 1981. Injury benefit had previously been awarded in respect of three periods between 29 July 1981 and 20 February 1982 for the same accident. However, injury benefit is confined to a maximum of 26 weeks from the date of the occupational accident and as the latest claim was outside the maximum injury benefit period it was, accordingly, disallowed.
The claim was treated as a claim to disability benefit which was allowed from 25 October 1982, the fourth day of incapacity. Pay-related benefit was also allowed from 4 November 1982, the thirteenth day of incapacity.
A delay in some recent payments resulted from inquiries which had to be made to the Department of Health and Social Security in the United Kingdom regarding employment contributions required to satisfy the qualifying conditions for receiving disability benefit for a period exceeding 12 months. Payment of benefit was resumed on receipt of the required information. Supplementary welfare allowance paid by the Western Health Board during the period of delay was withheld and refunded to the board. All benefit in respect of medical certificates received to date has been paid.
515.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment as a painter exceeded the statutory limit. It is open to him to appeal against the disallowance of his claim and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
516.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as her husband died in September 1983 and she has no means of support.
The person concerned whose claim to widow's pension was received on 5 October 1983 has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £75.40 with effect from 7 October 1983. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years with three qualified children. Her husband had been in receipt of disability benefit of £82.50 per week which included an increase in respect of her and the children and she is entitled to receive this payment for six weeks after his death on 24 August 1983, in place of widow's pension. Arrangements have been made to pay arrears of disability benefit to her for that period. A widow's pension book with orders payable from 7 October 1983 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
517.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase, as a matter of urgency, the rate of unemployment assistance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £38.15 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £70.15 less means £32 weekly. His means are derived from self-employment as a subcontractor with local farmers and from capital. Arrangements have been made to supply him with an application form to enable him to appeal against the assessment of his means. When he returns this form his case will be referred to an appeals officer and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
518.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he has been signing at Galway employment exchange for the past 20 weeks.
The person concerned signed as unemployed on one day only on 7 July 1983 and did not pursue his unemployment assistance claim. He again claimed unemployment assistance on 11 October 1983. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means and inquiries are still being made in the matter. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly. In the meantime, he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending a decision of his entitlement to unemployment assistance.
519.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £30.30 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parents' home and as the amount of means exceeded the weekly rate of unemployment assistance payable his claim was disallowed. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer upheld the assessment in his case. He has not signed as unemployed since 12 July 1983.
520.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he has been signing at Galway employment exchange for the past 20 weeks.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 8 July 1983 and ceased to sign the unemployment register on 27 July 1983. He reapplied for unemployment assistance on 1 September 1983 but has so far failed to fully disclose his means to the social welfare officer. He is being afforded a further opportunity of disclosing his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
521.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 11 November 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. It is expected that the inquiries which are being made in the matter will be completed shortly after which his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
522.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries to establish his insurance record for the 1980-81 and 1981-82 income tax years were completed. No contributions had been paid in respect of his employment. These inquiries were recently completed. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit between 20 January 1982 and 11 May 1982 and again between 21 February 1983 and 31 May 1983. A payable order for the first claim issued last week. A further payable order in respect of the second claim less the amount of unemployment assistance paid in the period issued to him this week.
523.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an orphan's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as she is in dire need.
One of the conditions for payment of an orphan's pension is that the child in respect of whom the pension is claimed must be an "orphan" as defined in the Social Welfare Acts. In the Acts an "orphan" means:
(a) a qualified child, being a legitimate child, both of whose parents are dead and who, where he has a step-parent, does not normally reside with the step-parent or a person married to and living with the step-parent, or
(b) a qualified child, being an illegitimate child, whose mother is dead and whose father is dead or unknown and who, if there is a surviving husband of his mother, does not normally reside with that husband or a woman married to and living with that husband, or
(c) a qualified child one of whose parents is dead and whose surviving parent has abandoned him or refused or failed to provide for him.
In the case referred to by the Deputy the child's father is alive and is not regarded as having abandoned the child or refused or failed to provide for him. The claim to orphan's pension has therefore been refused.
A letter advising the claimant of this decision and of her right to appeal against it if she is dissatisfied with it, has been issued.
524.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned made a claim to unemployment benefit on 15 February 1982 and was paid to June 1982. He made a repeat claim on 31 July 1982 and since this was within 13 weeks of the previous claim he automatically requalified for receipt of unemployment benefit.
His claim to unemployment benefit was paid to 27 June 1983 when he had been paid for 390 days and exhausted his title to unemployment benefit. He claimed and was paid unemployment assistance each week from 28 June 1983 to 23 August 1983 when he ceased to sign the unemployed register. The rate of unemployment assistance paid to him was £18 weekly being the maximum rate £28 less £10 means.
525.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has ceased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 28 August 1975 to 4 October 1983. 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 arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 20 December 1983. On receipt of the report of this examination his claim for disability benefit will be reviewed.
526.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit at his local office on 1 November 1983. Following inquiries to ascertain his contribution record his claim was allowed at the maximum rate of £74.85 weekly. All arrears of unemployment benefit due were paid on 18 November 1983.
He is also entitled to pay-related benefit payable from 21 November 1983 at £20.84 and payment of pay-related benefit due was made on 2 December 1983.
Further combined payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit amounting to £95.69 weekly will be made as they become due.
527.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 14 November 1983 and has been paid to 5 December 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received. There was a delay in making the initial payments, however, as the claimant quoted an incorrect RSI number on the first medical certificate submitted to the Department.
528.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability and pay-related benefits to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason benefit was only paid from 26 November 1983 when he has been out sick early in November.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 9 November 1983, fourth day of incapacity and pay-related benefit from 26 November 1983, nineteenth day of incapacity. All benefit due to 5 December 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
Benefit is paid on receipt of medical certificates in the Department. An examination of the payments made on the claim, shows that there has been no delay in issuing payments.
529.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying pay-related benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Inquiries were necessary to establish the earnings of the person concerned in the income tax year 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. These inquiries are now complete and his pay-related benefit has been authorised at £35.57 weekly. Arrangements have been made to pay arrears this week.
Combined payments of flat rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit of £133.37 weekly will continue as they become due.
530.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental will be sanctioned for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
There is no trace of the receipt in the Department of an application for free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned. An application form has issued to him and on receipt of the completed application form a decision will be given in his case and he will be notified of the outcome.
531.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance allowance has not been paid for some time to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the amount that will be paid; the date on which his Department will make the next payment to him; when the arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Due to an error payment of unemployment assistance to the person concerned was incorrectly suspended from 11 October 1983. When the mistake was discovered all arrears due amounting to £204.80 were paid to him on 29 November 1983.
Weekly payments at £25.60 being the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 less means £3.80 continue to be made to him as they become due.
532.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the payment of an old age pension was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will direct his Department to repay this pension immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a review of the entitlement of the person concerned which revealed that his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding, had increased, a question for revocation of his pension was referred to the local pension committee for decision. The committee decided on 23 July 1983 that he is not entitled to any pension from 1 July 1983 on the grounds that he does not fulfil the statutory condition as to means.
The Deputy's representations have been taken as an appeal on his behalf against the committee's decision and have been referred to an appeals officer for determination. He will be notified of the outcome.
533.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an application for a retirement pension was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of a retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts requires the person concerned to have a yearly average of at least 24 reckonable contributions over the period from the beginning of the 1953-54 contribution year to 5 April 1983, i.e. the end of the last complete contribution year before she reached age 65. She does not satisfy this condition as the Department's records show that she had a total of 73 such contributions in this period, which is equal to a yearly average of only two. Neither will she qualify for old age contributory pension at age 66 for which she would need a yearly average of at least 20 from 6 July 1953 to 5 April 1984. Contributions paid in respect of employment which was insurable under the former National Health Insurance Acts prior to 1953 are not reckonable for the purpose of calculating a person's yearly average for retirement pension or old age contributory pension.
Her husband is at present in receipt of a non-contributory old age pension which includes an adult dependant allowance of £19.40 per week in respect of her. She herself can claim a non-contributory old age pension in her own right when she reaches age 66 on 1 November 1984.
534.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
There is no trace of a claim to deserted wife's allowance/benefit from the person concerned under the details supplied. It appears from the question that the allowance is in payment and, if this is the case, the Deputy may be in a position to obtain the reference number from the recipient.
535.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned has been approved for free telephone rental allowance and a notification to this effect issued to him on 22 July 1983.
The Department of Posts and Telegraphs have been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided.
536.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry when it was evident he did not qualify for unemployment benefit due to the lack of contributions; and if he will now arrange to pay him unemployment assistance and arrears.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance as the means assessed against him £32 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parents' home, exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him 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.
Subject to the person concerned remaining unemployed he will qualify for unemployment benefit from 2 January 1984 when a new benefit year commences and in respect of which he fulfils the contribution conditions.
537.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reconsider the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for free electricity having regard to her poor household circumstances.
To qualify for a free electricity allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must either be living alone or with excepted categories of persons.
The person concerned lives with her husband who is receiving unemployment assistance, and is not a person who comes within the excepted categories for satisfying the "living alone" condition of the scheme. In the circumstances her application for a free electricity allowance was rejected.
If, however, the person concerned is experiencing difficulty in meeting electricity costs it is open to her to apply to her local community welfare officer for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
538.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit and arrears will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Inquires regarding the availability for employment of the person concerned had to be made before his claim could be decided. These inquiries have now been completed and his claim has been authorised at £57.35 weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit.
All arrears due were paid last week and further payments of £57.35 per week will be made as they become due.
539.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be called for an oral hearing in respect of his appeal against the decision to reduce his unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 2 August 1983 at the weekly rate of £36.45 being the maximum amount appropriate in his case of £42 less means £5.55 derived from land notionally assessed and from capital.
Following the reinvestigation of his case on a factual basis, he was assessed with weekly means of £38.70 derived from land and capital. His unemployment assistance was rerated at £16.85 from 3 August 1983 increased to £19.60 from 5 October 1983 being the maximum amounts payable to him on those dates less means of £38.70. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer. The appeals officer upheld the assessment of his means at £38.70 and the person concerned was notified of the decision. If he wishes to submit any fresh facts or new evidence in support of his appeal they will be referred to the appeals officer for his consideration.
In the meantime weekly payments of £19.60 will continue to be made as they become due.
540.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application made by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for unemployment benefit or assistance; and if he will arrange for early payment.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 29 August 1983. Her claim was allowed from 22 September at the weekly rate of £34.80 and the period from 29 August 1983 to 21 September 1983 was disallowed on the grounds that she had left her employment voluntarily and without just cause.
She appealed this disallowance and her appeal was successful. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week.
541.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for an oral hearing of the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to reduce his unemployment assistance from £50.80 to £31.30 per week, as he is married with three children; and when this oral hearing will be held.
The person concerned had not so far appealed against the amount of means assessed against him for purposes of his unemployment assistance claim.
A form on which he can set out the grounds of his appeal has been sent to him. As soon as he returns the form further action will be taken in the matter and his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination.
542.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; the reason he was not granted an oral hearing of his appeal; and if he will now arrange an oral hearing.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit of his land and from capital exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer considered that he had sufficient information to decide the case without an oral hearing of the appeal, and on 4 November 1983 he upheld the amount of means assessed against the applicant. However, arrangements are being made to provide the person concerned with an opportunity of submitting a further statement of facts and contentions in support of his appeal application, and when he does so his case will be resubmitted to the appeals officer for further consideration.
543.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to restore unemployment assistance, on appeal, to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the reason for the delay in restoring assistance in this case.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from land and from capital exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His case will be dealt with by an appeals officer as early as possible after which his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
544.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned has been approved for free telephone rental and a notification to this effect issued to him on 9 December 1983.
The Department of Posts and Telegraphs have been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided.
545.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension was reduced by £2 per week in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
A review of the entitlement of the person concerned revealed an increase in her means consisting of half the weekly value of capital and her husband's occupational pension. A question for reduction of her old age pension from £38.60 per week to £36.60 has, therefore, been referred to the local pension committee for decision and pension at the reduced rate of £36.60 was put into payment pending the outcome of the pension committee's decision.
546.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment assistance restored urgently to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the position regarding his appeal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from profit from his land exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His case will be dealt with as early as possible.
547.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the unemployment assistance payments made to a person (details supplied) in County Meath in 1983 to date; and if he will make a statement on the means test basis on which they were awarded.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 20 May 1982 was authorised at £43.75 being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £57.95 less means £14.20 derived from his wife's earnings as a factory worker. His means derived from his wife's earnings were increased to £50 from 2 March 1983 and to £52 from 1 June 1983 giving him weekly payments of £7.95 and £5.95 respectively. The weekly rate was increased to £11.75 from 29 June 1983 following the general increase in social welfare rates. His means were reduced to nil from 5 October 1983 when his wife ceased employment giving him a weekly payment of £66.90 being the appropriate maximum rate in his case. All arrears due were paid to him last week. Weekly payments of £66.90 will continue to be made as they become due.
548.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 22 April 1983 and submitted medical evidence of incapacity for work to 29 July 1983.
He is not qualified for benefit as according to the records of the Department he has less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim.
The Deputy intimated in representations made on 17 November 1983 that the claimant had a second employer in 1981-82 and should have the necessary contributions to qualify for benefit.
Inquiries are, accordingly, being made concerning his 1981-82 employment record. When the inquiries are completed his claim for benefit will be reviewed.
549.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan.
Inquiries are still being made about the means of the person concerned for unemployment assistance purposes. However arrangements have been made for a social welfare officer to call to him at his residence this week. It is expected that all inquiries will be completed shortly after which his means will be reassessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
550.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as he is married with two children.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 17 September 1983 was authorised at £28.75 being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £63.75 less means £35 derived from self-employment selling vegetables. The weekly rate was increased to £31.90 from 5 October 1983.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been 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.
Weekly payments of £31.90 will continue to be made as they become due.
551.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when maternity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as she has been on certificates since 28 October 1983 and applied on 4 November 1983.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 29 August 1983 to 28 October 1983. All benefit due on this claim has been paid.
She then claimed maternity benefit under the general scheme in respect of her confinement expected on 27 December 1983. Payment was authorised for the 12 week period 21 November 1983 to 11 February 1984. Cheques are being issued each week as they fall due.
552.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned claimed retirement pension on 5 September 1983 and this was awarded to him with effect from 7 July 1983, on which date he reached age 65 years. A retirement pension book containing orders payable from 3 November 1983 was issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he was notified accordingly.
The arrears of retirement pension payable from 7 July 1983, less the amount of unemployment assistance paid to him after that date, were issued direct to him by payable order on 9 December 1983.
533.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in processing a claim for unemploy- ment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The case of the person concerned was referred to a social welfare officer for an investigation of his means to enable his entitlement to unemployment assistance to be determined. However, the social welfare officer was not satisfied that the applicant disclosed full details of his means and his unemployment assistance claim was subsequently disallowed on the grounds that by not fully disclosing his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
554.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at such a low rate was paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he signed at the employment exchange for 12 weeks and had been forwarding certificates for three months prior to that.
The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit on 10 October 1983 when he completed 390 days.
He was assessed with means at £30 weekly derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings and his unemployment assistance claim was allowed at £28.30 weekly from 11 October 1983 being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him £58.30 less £30. All arrears due less an amount of supplementary welfare allowance due for recoupment to his health board, have been paid and weekly payments continue to be made as they become due.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of means assessed against him and he has been supplied with an application form to enable him to appeal. When this form is returned his case will be referred to an appeals officer and the rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
555.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny transferred from disability benefit to invalidity pension.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 3 May 1979 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned is being considered for invalidity pension and in this connection arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 22 December 1983. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of his examination.
556.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £28.85 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on her parents holding. She is at present in receipt of £0.55 weekly being the maximum rate payable to her £29.40 less £28.85 means.
She appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and her case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer upheld the assessment of her means at £28.85 weekly.
557.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for some time.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 1 December 1983. The pension book payable from 12 January 1984 will be issued shortly to the designated post officer of payment.
Arrears in respect of the period from 1 December 1984 to 11 January 1984 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period will be paid by payable order.
558.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment assistance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for some time.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until inquiries which are at present being made about his means have been completed.
It is expected that the inquiries will be completed shortly after which his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
559.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if inquiries have been completed in his Department in relation to the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for a non-contributory old age pension.
The investigation of the old age pension claim of the person concerned will be completed shortly. The case will be referred to the local pension committee for decision on completion of inquiries. If a pension is recommended by the social welfare officer it will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the pension committee's decision.
560.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal against a reduction in unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The means of the person concerned were assessed at £19.20 weekly derived from the profit of his holding. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £39.10 weekly being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him £58.30 less £19.20 means.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him. His case has been referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries arising from contentions made in support of his appeal. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
561.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit/assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit on 3 November 1983 when he completed 390 days and claimed unemployment assistance from 4 November 1983. He had, prior to the exhaustion of his unemployment benefit applied for an assessment of his means and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. The social welfare officer investigated the case and posted his report to the employment exchange dealing with the case. However the report was never received at the local office having been lost in postal transit.
Arrangements have been made to have the case again investigated as a matter of urgency. His means will be assessed in the light of the investigation and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly. It is open to the applicant to apply to his local community welfare officer for supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim.
562.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned received duplicate payment of children's allowance for the child in question in respect of the period July 1982 to April 1983. The overpayment involved is being recovered by deduction from her current entitlement.
Children's allowance at the rate of £22.50 a month is in payment and this will be increased to £33.75 a month in respect of her three qualified children when recovery of the overpayment has been effected.
563.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will reconsider his decision in this case and grant assistance immediately because of the hardship involved.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from land exceeded the statutory limit.
He recently completed an appeal form at his local office and arrangements are being made to refer the case to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
564.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The appeal of the person concerned against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit was referred to an appeals officer.
The appeals officer required further information about the expenses incurred by the applicant and the case has again been referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries. When these are completed the case will be submitted to the appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
565.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He refused to disclose his means and has been advised that he must co-operate with the investigating social welfare officer to enable his means to be assessed for the purposes of his unemployment assistance claim.
Inquiries are still being made in the matter and when they are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
566.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 2 November 1983 and his claim was authorised at £32.25 per week which is the appropriate rate in his case. Pay-related benefit at £0.45 weekly has been authorised based on reckonable earnings of £1,889 in the 1981-82 income tax year.
All arrears due have been paid and further combined payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit of £32.70 weekly will be made as they become due.
567.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned is an applicant for unemployment benefit and inquiries had to be made to establish his contribution record before his claim could be determined.
Following the completion of the inquiries, his claim was allowed at the rate of £33.55 weekly and all arrears due have been paid. He is also entitled to pay-related benefit at £5.02 and combined payments at £38.57 are being made to him as they become due.
568.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 26 October 1983 on the grounds that by failing to reveal that he was engaged in self-employment he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He appealed against the disallowance. His case has been referred to a special welfare officer to provide him with a furthe opportunity to disclose details about his income from self-employment. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
569.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Following the completion of extensive inquiries the means of the person concerned were assessed at sums varying from £9.85 to £8.60 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parents' home.
Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week and further weekly payments at £19.40 being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable £28 less £8.60 means will be made as they become due.
570.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason arrears of a blind pension were not paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 from February 1983 instead of June 1983 as she notified his Department as soon as she knew that this was necessary; and if, in view of this, he will have the case reviewed with a view to paying arrears from February 1983.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to blind pension at the maximum rate from 1 March 1983. Arrears of pension due in respect of the period 1 March 1983-6 June 1983 are in course of being issued to the pensioner.
571.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance of £13.45 a week being the appropriate maximum weekly rate in his case of £21.20 less notionally assessed means of £7.75 derived from land, up to 4 October 1983. Following reinvestigation of his case he was factually assessed with weekly means of £37.15 derived from land from 5 October 1983. As his means exceeded the rate of unemployment assistance appropriate in his case payment ceased. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arrangements have been made to have his means determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision in his case.
572.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Following a review of his means the person concerned was assessed with means at £13.45 weekly derived from self-employment on his parents' holding. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £15.95 being the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 less £13.45.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
573.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 3 October 1983 and his claim was allowed at £74.85 weekly which is the maximum amount payable in his case.
His claim was disallowed with effect from 23 November 1983 on the grounds that he refused an offer of suitable employment. It is open to him to appeal against this disallowance and a form for this purpose may be obtained from his local employment office.
574.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary is entitled to an invalidity pension.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
It has not been possible from the information supplied to trace a disability benefit claim for the person concerned. If the RSI number or the social insurance number of the claimant can be quoted this will enable the claim to be identified and the information sought by the Deputy to be supplied.
575.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the payment of pay-related benefit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9.
The person concerned has been paid unemployment benefit of £78.85 per week with effect from 8 October 1983. Following the completion of additional inquiries to establish his reckonable earnings his entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit has been computed at £17 weekly.
He was however overpaid unemployment benefit in respect of the period from 10 August 1983 to 14 September 1983 and the amount paid is due to be repaid to this Department. The arrears of pay-related benefit due were held against the amount overpaid to him.
He ceased to sign as unemployed after 2 December 1983.
576.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the closure of a firm (details supplied) in County Galway; he will pay all unemployment benefit/assistance immediately; if he will continue to make these payments on a regular weekly basis to ensure that these people have, at least, sufficient weekly funds to provide for their families; if he will appoint a senior officer in his Department to oversee and expedite all due payments in order that the severe hardships created by the closure will be alleviated somewhat; the amounts that will be paid to each person; the date on which these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The claims of the persons concerned to unemployment benefit on 28 November 1983 have been authorised at the appropriate weekly rates as follows, shown in the order in which the claimants were listed in the details supplied with the Question: £30.60, £30.60, £30.60, £34.80, £57.35, £74.85, £65.60, £57.35, £74.85, £32.25, £34.80, £65.60, £65.60, £34.80, £34.80.
The payments commenced as they became due last week and further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due. Payments of pay-related benefit will commence when it becomes due during the week ending 23 December 1983.
577.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the unemployment benefit/assistance being paid to persons (details supplied) in County Galway, both of whom have been made redundant by two different companies; if he will increase the benefit/ assistance being paid; if he will pay them immediately; the amount of the weekly payments to be made; the date on which they will be paid and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The persons concerned are a married couple. The husband's claim to unemployment benefit was exhausted on 5 October 1983. He was paid unemployment assistance from 6 October 1983 at £9.20 per week being the maximum rate payable to him £66.90 less means £57.70 derived from land. He has appealed against the assessment of his means and his case will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the appeal.
The claim of the wife to unemployment benefit has been authorised at £30.60 per week which is the maximum rate appropriate in her case. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to her this week.
578.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in restoring unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will rectify this matter.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance from 21 March 1983 to 10 May 1983 after which he ceased to sign as unemployed. Following the completion of inquiries, his means derived from land were assessed as being in excess of the statutory limit and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. He was notified accordingly on 12 May 1983.
He made an appeal against the assessment of his means on 11 November 1983 and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His case will be dealt with at the earliest opportunity.
579.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people in receipt of social welfare benefit as follows: (a) unemployment benefit, disability benefit, maternity benefit, pay-related benefit, invalidity pension, widow's contributory pension, orphan's contributory allowance, deserted wife's benefit, retirement pension, old age contributory pension, death grant, treatment benefit, intermittent unemployment insurance (wet-time); (b) occupational injuries benefits: injury benefit, disablement benefit, death benefit; and (c) social assistance: unemployment assistance, widow's non-contributory pension, orphan's non-contributory pension, deserted wife's allowance, prisoner's wife's allowance, unmarried mother's allowance, single women's allowance, old age non-contributory pension, blind person's pension, rent allowance, children's allowance and prescribed relative allowance.
The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table:
Numbers of Recipients of Social Welfare Payments at June 1983
|
Social Insurance |
Number of recipients |
|
Unemployment Benefit |
90,500 |
|
Disability Benefit |
68,379 |
|
Maternity Allowance |
5,000 |
|
Pay-Related Benefit |
72,355 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
20,491 |
|
Widow's (Contributory) Pension |
75,790 |
|
Orphan's (Contributory) Allowance |
915 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
3,593 |
|
Retirement Pension |
32,180 |
|
Old Age (Contributory) Pension |
70,488 |
|
Death Grant* |
7,776 |
|
Treatment Benefits* |
|
|
Dental |
242,881 |
|
Optical |
75,730 |
|
Medical + Surgical |
944 |
|
Intermittent |
|
|
Unemployment Insurance (“Wet-Time”) |
2,805 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefits |
|
|
Injury Benefit |
2,621 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
5,551 |
|
Death Benefit |
430 |
|
Social Assistance |
|
|
Unemployment Assistance |
|
|
Live Register |
83,415 |
|
Smallholders |
20,126 |
|
Widow's (Non- Contributory) Pension |
14,405 |
|
Orphan's (Non- Contributory) Allowance |
142 |
|
Deserted Wife's Allowance |
3,428 |
|
Prisoners' Wife's Allowance |
210 |
|
Unmarried Mother's Allowance |
8,076 |
|
Single Woman's Allowance |
3,009 |
|
Old Age and Blind (Non- Contributory) Pension |
128,687 |
|
Rent Allowance† |
468 |
|
Children's Allowance |
460,714(families) |
|
Prescribed Relatives Allowance‡ |
2,601 |
*Total number of claims paid in the year ended 31 December 1982.
†Figure at week ended 3 December 1983.
‡Figure relates to September 1983.
580.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 March 1983 and his claim was authorised at £88.90 weekly increasing to £97.80 from 30 June 1983. On reaching 156 days payment on 8 September 1983 his rate was reduced to £84.35 weekly because he had less than 280 weeks of insurable employment in the preceding seven years. He claimed for an additional child from 4 November 1983 and his claim was re-rated at £89.45 per week. All arrears due have been paid.
An overpayment for the period 24 May 1982 to 15 June 1982 during which he was engaged in concurrent working and signing, was assessed against him and deductions of £5 per week have been made from his payments since 5 July 1983.
581.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an increase in unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been claiming unemployment assistance continuously since 20 November 1981. His case was recently referred to a social welfare officer for a reinvestigation of his means and when the inquiries are completed his means will be re-assessed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed accordingly.
In the meantime weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £46.30 being the maximum rate payable to him £80.30 less £34 continue to be made to him as they become due.
582.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 13 June to 18 July 1983. He was not qualified for benefit as according to the Department's records he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim.
The claimant was requested on 28 June 1983 and again on 28 July 1983 to submit details of his employment record in 1981-82 but failed to do so. A further request was issued to him on 8 December 1983. On receipt of this information his claim for benefit will be reviewed.
583.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned submitted a claim for disability benefit on 1 April 1983 in respect of an incapacity for work which commenced on 8 March 1982. No further medical evidence has been received to date. He is not qualified for benefit as according to the records of the Department he has less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid since his entry into insurable employment.
The claimant was requested on several occasions to submit details of his employment prior to the date of incapacity for work but has failed to do so to date. A further reminder was issued to him on 9 December 1983. On receipt of this information his claim for benefit will be reviewed. He has also been advised to submit medical certificates at weekly intervals while he remains incapable of work.
584.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 1 November 1983 and has been paid to 5 December 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received. In addition, pay-related benefit is in payment since 22 November 1983, the 19th day of incapacity for work.
585.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 22 August 1983 and all benefit due to 24 October 1983 has issued to him. There is no trace of medical certificates having been received from him since that date.
The claimant has been advised to furnish medical evidence, or alternatively, a statement from his employer, confirming his dates of absence from work due to illness since 24 October 1983.
On receipt of a reply his claim will be reviewed.
586.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a non-contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
587.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a non-contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together as the persons concerned are a married couple.
The old age pension claims of the persons concerned have been partially investigated. Information on the transfer of a holding has been requested and as soon as this is received, the claims will be referred to the local pension committee for decision.
If pensions are recommended by the social welfare officer they will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the pension committee's decision.
588.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 14 November 1983 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 8 December 1983. The appeals officer has requested additional information about her efforts to obtain work and further inquiries are being made in the matter. When these inquiries are completed her case will again be referred to the appeals officer and her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
589.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 17 October 1983 and was paid from 20 October 1983, fourth day of incapacity. He was also paid pay-related benefit from 7 November 1983, 19th day of incapacity. Payment is issued on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity in the Department and on this basis all disability and pay-related benefit due to 5 December 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
590.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned is not entitled to a free electricity allowance as his niece, who is residing with him is not a person who comes within the excepted categories for satisfying the "living alone" condition of the scheme.
The applicant was notified accordingly.
591.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a pension will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
An old age pension at the maximum rate of £38.60 has been restored to the person concerned from 8 July 1983. The appropriate pension book, payable from 7 October 1983, issued on 9 December 1983 and a payable order covering the arrears due will be issued shortly.
An adult dependant allowance is no longer payable as the pensioner's wife is receiving unemployment benefit.
592.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance of £35.50 a week being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £48.55 less notionally assessed means of £13.05 derived from land. Following a review of his case payment was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory yearly limit in his case of £4,053.40 from 29 June 1983. He appealed against the decision and the case is being 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.
593.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider extending full travel facilities to spouses of qualified persons e.g. old age pensioners, to enable them to travel on their own under certain circumstances (details supplied).
Individual entitlement to free travel under the existing scheme is confined to persons over age 66 or if under that age, receiving a social welfare type payment as permanently incapacitated persons. Extension of the scheme to give individual entitlement to a spouse who is not qualified for free travel in his or her own right would radically alter the nature of the scheme and would have significant cost implications. There are no plans to extend the scheme on the lines proposed.