asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for an old age pension by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
292.
The local pension committee decided on 12 January 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to a pension at a rate of £2.60 a week from 17 October 1983. The social welfare officer has appealed against this decision as the assessment of the claimant's means, consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's earnings and a holding, exceed the statutory limit of £42. The matter is being referred to an appeals officer for determination and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course.
293.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons small farmers' assistance has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he is living in a mobile home and his only source of income is a small contribution which he gets from his job as a farm labourer on his father's farm of 27 acres; and if he will have benefit restored immediately.
The person concerned was disallowed unemployment assistance for the period 4 October 1983 to 8 November 1983 as he failed to attend an interview at Manpower. Payment of unemployment assistance was resumed on 9 November 1983 and he is in receipt of £33.35 weekly to date. He has now claimed for a child dependant and his claim will be authorised at the weekly rate of £40.55. Further weekly payments continue to be made as they become due.
294.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will authorise an increase in small farmer's assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he is in receipt of £15.85 per week and has not received any increase in the past 18 months.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £15.85 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £21.20 less notionally assessed means of £5.35 derived from land. His case has been referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of his means and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the means assessed against him.
295.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a children's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A claim for children's allowance was received on 15 December 1983 from the person concerned and an allowance has been awarded from January 1984. This is the earliest date from which payment could be made having regard to the date on which the claim was submitted. The appropriate allowance book was issued on 19 January 1984. The claimant is now in receipt of allowance at the rate of £45.00 per month which is the correct rate payable in respect of her four qualified children.
296.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork when out sick last September.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 24 September 1983 to 29 October 1983. She is not entitled to payment of benefit because according to the records of the Department she has fewer than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited for 1981-82, the contribution year governing her claim.
She was employed in Britain from October 1960 to November 1981 but her British contributions were paid at a reduced rate which is not reckonable for disability benefit.
She has been requested to supply further details of her employment history in Ireland in order to establish her entitlement to benefit.
297.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting optical benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed optical benefit on 7 June 1983. His claim was approved on 24 June 1983 and a letter of authorisation for presentation to his opthalmic surgeon was issued to him on this date. It appears now that he never received this and accordingly a duplicate letter of authorisation was issued to him on 19 January 1984.
298.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason some cheques have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in receipt of disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability from 18 October 1982 and has been paid to 16 January 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. There was a delay in issuing payments from 2 January 1984 due to an administrative error.
299.
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 has been paid all disability benefit due to 19 January 1984, date of latest medical certificate received. There was a delay in issuing benefit from 24 December 1983 to 5 January 1984 which was due to an administrative error. The arrears due were issued on 13 January 1984.
300.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the correct rate of disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 December 1983 to 14 January 1984, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. He was paid at the maximum rate for a married couple based on the information on the claim form which he submitted to the Department on 23 December 1983.
A second claim form was issued to the claimant on 19 January 1984 and when this is completed and returned to the Department any arrears of benefit which may be due will be paid.
301.
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 Cork.
One of the conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that the husband must of his own volition have left his wife. The deciding officer held that in this case this condition was not satisfied and disallowed the claim of the person concerned.
Following the recent receipt, however, of further information and documents relating to the case, her claim has now been allowed and benefit awarded to her at the maximum rate with effect from 9 June 1983. An order book payable from 26 January 1984 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 9 June 1983 to 25 January 1984, less the amount of any supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that time, will be issued direct to her in the near future.
302.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give a progress report on an application for a non-contributory old age pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The non-contributory old age pension claim of the person concerned has been investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision. Payment of pension has not been recommended by the social welfare officer as the person's means, consisting of capital, exceed the statutory limit of £42.00 per week.
The claimant will be notified of the committee's decision as soon as it becomes available and if she is not satisfied with the decision she will have the right of appeal against it.
303.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an old age pension will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he is only in receipt of £15 per week plus allowance for his dependants despite the fact that he has five children.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 9 September 1983 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £49.15 from 28 January 1983 increased to £57.45 from 1 July 1983. These are the rates of pension to which he is entitled having regard to latest assessment of his means, consisting of a holding, and they include an allowance for five dependent children.
304.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the maximum rate plus adult dependant allowance from 28 September 1982.
A supplementary pension book payable from 6 January 1984 has been issued and a payable order covering the arrears of pension due in respect of the period 28 September 1982 to 5 January 1984 is being issued separately.
305.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for work.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 3 August 1982 and payment was made to her up to 10 May 1983. Her claim was disallowed from 11 May 1983 on the grounds that she was not available for employment as she had refused an offer of work. She has been advised of her right to appeal but to date she has not done so.
306.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly for the period from 20 to 27 October 1983 as it is due to him.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 20 July 1983 and was paid from 23 July 1983, fourth day of incapacity.
He was requested to attend for a medical referee examination on 19 October 1983 but he failed to do so. The explanation for his non-attendance was not regarded as satisfactory and a six weeks disqualification was imposed from 20 October 1983. He was subsequently certified fit to resume work by his own doctor on 28 October 1983. There are, therefore, no arrears of benefit due to him.
307.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 19 April 1982 and payment has been made to date.
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.
308.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant a refund to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 as he contributed towards a social welfare pension but now is ineligible for it.
Under the regulations a refund of the portion of the social insurance contributions attributable to retirement and old age contributory pensions can be made only to insured persons who entered insurance after reaching a prescribed age and who as a result do not qualify for either of those pensions.
In the case of the person concerned the prescribed age for retirement pension is 55 and for contributory old age pension is 60. The person concerned entered insurance in this country on 4 October 1948 when he was aged 33 and, therefore, before reaching the prescribed age for either pension. Accordingly, he is not entitled to a refund of the portion of the social insurance contributions attributable to these pensions.
309.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 5 December 1983 that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension from 12 August 1983 as she does not satisfy the statutory condition as to means. The assessment of her means, consisting of capital, exceeds the statutory limit of £42 per week.
310.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment assistance was disallowed on the grounds that she failed to show that her means did not exceed the statutory limit in her case of £2,587.00 a year. She appealed against the disallowance and the appeals officer upheld the decision.
311.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A claim for children's allowance was received from the person concerned on 30 November 1983 in respect of her second child who was born on 2 November 1983. Allowance was awarded in respect of this child at the rate of £11.25 per month from 1 December 1983 and an allowance book payable from that date has been issued to the claimant. The claimant is now in receipt of allowance at the rate of £22.50 per month which is the correct rate payable in respect of her two qualified children.
The delay in dealing with this case arose because of the seasonal build-up of claims following the reopening of schools after the summer holidays.
312.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry since 29 November 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit due to 9 January 1984, date of latest medical certificate received.
There was a delay in issuing benefit from 6 December 1983 to 9 January 1984 which was due to an administrative error. The arears due were issued on 20 January 1984.
313.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; when she will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned does not qualify for receipt of unemployment benefit because she does not satisfy the statutory contribution condition of having not fewer than 26 reckonable contributions from her date of entry into insurance.
Her entitlement to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries to establish her means were undertaken. These investigations were recently completed and her application has been authorised at £28.00 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in her case. Arrangements have been made to have all arrears due paid this week and further weekly payments will continue as they become due.
314.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be restored immediately to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance of £16.35 weekly until 16 August 1983, when, following re-investigation of his means, his application was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit, in his case of £2,587.00 a year. His reapplication for unemployment assistance on 19 September 1983, was similarly disallowed.
315.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give priority to an appeal against the decision to reduce unemployment assistance in a case (details supplied) in Mallow, County Cork; if he will grant an increase of at least £25 per week to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his land exceed the statutory limit.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of the means.
316.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at a low rate is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as he has no other source of income and is married with one child; and if he will arrange for an inquiry into his case.
The means of the person concerned were assessed at £28.85, derived from fishing, board and lodgings on his parents' holding, and capital with effect from 26 February, 1983. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £29.45 being the maximum rate payable to him £58.30 less £28.85.
If he is dissatisfied with the means assessed against him it is open to him to apply to have his means reinvestigated. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
317.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay arrears of old age pension at the double rate to the representatives of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in respect of the six days immediately prior to her death on 15 December.
Old age pension which is paid weekly in advance was cashed in this case for week commencing Friday, 9 December 1983 when the Christmas double payment was made. Payment of all pension due prior to the pensioner's death has, therefore, been made.
318.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a retirement pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
One of the conditions for receipt of retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts requires a claimant to have a yearly average of at least 24 reckonable contributions over the period from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from the beginning of the year in which he entered into insurance under the Acts, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before he reached pension age. The person concerned does not satisfy this condition as the Department's records show that he had a total of only 565 such contributions in the required period which, in his case, is from 4 January 1954 to 5 April 1983. This is equal to a yearly average of only 19. Neither will he qualify for an old age contributory pension at age 66 for which he would need a yearly average of at least 20 reckonable contributions from 4 January 1954 to 5 April 1984.
His insurance record shows that he was not insurably employed in 1953 and from 1954 to 1972 he was employed intermittently on a casual basis. He had no record of insurable employment in eight of those years. Contributions were not paid in respect of him for a full year until 1973. A copy of his insurance record has been sent to him.
319.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following a review of her unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £46.00 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on her parent's holding. The amount of means assessed against her exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to her and accordingly her unemployment assistance claim was disallowed from 10 August, 1983.
She appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and on 3 November, 1983, an appeals officer reduced the amount of means assessed against her to £42.30. However, the reduced assessment of means still exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance, £29.40 weekly, appropriate in her case.
The applicant subsequently applied to have her means re-examined and following another investigation, she was assessed with means of £38.40 per week, derived from the value of board and lodging on her parent's holding, with effect from 25 November 1983. This assessment also exceeds the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable in her case and she does not, therefore, qualify for any payment.
320.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
It was decided by the local pension committee on 11 October 1983 that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as he does not fulfil the statutory condition as to means. The assessment of his means, consisting of the estimated profit from his farm, exceeds the statutory limit of £42.
321.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 16 November 1983 has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
322.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance payments will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned payment was disallowed from 7 September 1983 on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he had failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He has appealed against the disallowance of unemployment assistance and arrangements are being made to refer his case to an appeals officer for determination.
323.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a non-contributory old age pension at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Meath as all the necessary details have been provided.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 6 September 1983 that the person concerned is only entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £10.45 plus £2.70 living alone allowance and £2.50 over-80 allowance from 1 April 1983 increased to £14.60 plus £3.00 and £2.80 from 1 July 1983. These are the rates of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the latest assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding, the transfer of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes.
Following recent representations on the pensioner's behalf the appeals officer on 6 December 1983 confirmed that there are no new facts or fresh evidence to warrant a revision of his decision of 6 September 1983.
324.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 8 October 1983 and was paid at £10.65 a week, being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £29.40 less means of £18.75 previously assessed against him. He applied for a review of his means which were reduced to nil from 8 October 1983. Unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £29.40 has been authorised and all arrears due will be paid to him this week. Further weekly payments of £29.40 will continue to be made as they become due.
325.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit on 10 January 1984 was authorised at the appropriate rate in his case of £31.15 weekly. Payment commenced last week and weekly payments of £31.15 will continue to be made as they become due.
326.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at a reduced rate is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will consider paying the maximum rate.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £15.40 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate in her case of £29.40 less means £14.00 derived from board and lodgings in her father's home. She applied to have her means reviewed on 27 September 1983 and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report. In the meantime weekly payments of £15.40 will continue to be made as they become due.
327.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth for the period 26 April 1982 to 1 June 1983.
A cheque for the arrears of disability benefit due less the amount already paid in respect of unemployment assistance was issued to the person concerned on 23 January 1984. The delay in issuing the arrears was due to an administrative error. All benefit due to him to date has been paid.
328.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the problems of the families of seasonal Bord na Móna workers who have not been paid full unemployment benefit following the termination of their last period of unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is understood that the question refers to seasonal workers who on termination of employment are paid an amount in lieu of holidays not taken during the period of their employment. These workers are not regarded as unemployed for any part of the period for which they are paid wages and payment of unemployment benefit, therefore, only commences after the end of that period, including any period for which holiday pay has been paid.
329.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 as she has been seeking the allowance since last July; and the reasons for the delay.
The person concerned applied on 17 November 1983 for an increase in her deserted wife's benefit in respect of a child over 18 years of age who had returned to school after the summer holidays. The increase was awarded to her, with effect from 7 July 1983, on 6 December 1983 and on that date a benefit order book payable from 8 December 1983, which included payment in respect of this child, was issued to her.
Arrears for the period from 7 July 1983 to 7 December 1983 were sent to the claimant by payable order on 18 January 1984.
330.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a children's allowance has not been paid to person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in respect of their daughter for June, July and August 1983; when it will be paid; and the amount.
The person concerned claimed children's allowance on 29 August 1983 in respect of her third child who was born on 29 April 1983 and was awarded an allowance in respect of him from September 1983. This was the earliest date from which payment could be made having regard to the date on which the claim was submitted.
From the 1 September 1983 the claimant has been in receipt of a monthly allowance of £33.75 in respect of her three qualified children and she is accordingly in receipt of her full entitlement.
331.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when it will be paid.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 28 November 1983 was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self employment as a block layer and from his wife's earnings exceeded the statutory limit in his case of £2,961.40 a year. He has been issued with a form on which he may appeal against the decision. When the completed appeal form is returned to his local office 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.
332.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
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 29 December 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 six months time. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of this examination. In the meantime he continues to receive disability at the maximum rate of £97.80, appropriate to a married man who has five qualified children.
333.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick even though she paid 52 contributions in 1980-81.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 August 1983 but is not entitled to payment as she was not the required minimum of 26 reckonable contributions paid in the 1981-82 year which governs her claim. In that year she had six Class A1 contributions which are reckonable for disability benefit purposes and 46 D1 contributions which do not give cover for disability benefit. She also has less than the required minimum of 26 reckonable contributions paid or credited in the 1982-83 year to enable her to qualify for payment from 2 January 1984.
334.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned has been approved for free telephone rental allowance and a notification to this effect was issued to her on 11 January 1984. Telecom Éireann have been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided.
335.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when occupational injury benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit from 7 October 1983 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on that date. Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident, disability benefit was allowed on an interim basis from 13 October 1983, the fourth day of certified incapacity.
Details of the occupational accident were confirmed by the employers. Injury benefit was allowed from 11 October and payment was made on 14 November in respect of injury benefit over and above the disability benefit already paid to 15 October after which he was certified as fit to resume work.
Further medical certificates were received in respect of the period from 20 October in connection with the same incapacity. Disability benefit was awarded from 20 October and also pay-related benefit from 3 November, the 19th day of incapacity. Following examination, injury benefit was awarded from 20 October. All injury benefit has now been paid over and above the benefit already paid on an interim basis to 3 December 1983, after which he was certified fit to resume work.
336.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford for the period 10 April 1981 to 20 June 1983 as he was unfairly dismissed, and was awarded a sum in respect of unfair dismissal from which social welfare receipts were deducted.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 11 April 1981 to 13 July 1982 when he exhausted his title on completion of 390 days and unemployment assistance from 14 July 1982 to 21 June 1983. He was entitled to the maximum flat-rate of unemployment benefit for the first 156 days of his claim which he completed on 13 October 1981. He did not however satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in a seven year period and accordingly he was not qualified for the maximum flat-rate unemployment benefit from 14 October 1981 to 13 July 1982. The rate of unemployment benefit payable to him was reduced to the special weekly rate at £52.70 from 14 October 1981 increasing to £65.00 weekly from 5 April 1982. He received all pay-related benefit to which he was entitled on the basis of his reckonable earnings during the relevant income tax period 6 April 1979 to 5 April 1980 governed by the 85 per cent limit of £76.07 applicable to his case. All benefit to which he was entitled has accordingly been paid. He was in receipt of unemployment assistance from 14 July 1982 to 21 June 1983 at £63.75 weekly.
337.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 21 November 1983 was referred to the social welfare officer for inquiries into his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined shortly in the light of the means assessed against him.
338.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned whose husband died on 13 December 1983 has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £63.45 with effect from 27 January 1984. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years who has two qualified children.
Her husband had been in receipt of disability benefit of £74.85 per week which included an increase in respect of his wife and children and she was paid this benefit for six weeks after his death, in place of widow's pension.
A widow's pension book with orders payable from 27 January 1984 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by the claimant and she has been notified accordingly.
339.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have an ESB allowance and a TV licence issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for some time and he is in receipt of an invalidity pension.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned has been approved and he was notified accordingly on 25 November 1983. The ESB have confirmed that the allowance has been applied to his electricity account from the December 1983-January 1984 billing period onwards. The person concerned is also entitled to a free television licence which he may obtain on application at his local post office.
340.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is in receipt of social welfare assistance paid by cheque at her home.
One of the conditions for the receipt of unemployment assistance is that the applicant must sign the unemployed register at the local employment office at the appropriate time as evidence of being unemployed, available for, capable of and genuinely seeking employment.
The person concerned resides between four and six miles from her local office and she is required to fulfill the prescribed signing arrangements applicable to all other unemployment assistance recipients residing in the area who are obliged to sign once weekly at the local office. She is paid her weekly unemployment assistance of £29.40 on the day on which she signs as unemployed which in her case is the Thursday of each week.
She is eligible to claim single women's allowance since the date on which she attained 58 years and arrangements have been made to advise her of the steps open to her to claim this allowance. Single women's allowance is payable by pension order book and her attendance at her local office would no longer be necessary.
341.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a children's allowance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of her son as he is 17 years old and in full time education.
Payment in respect of the child in question for the period up to May 1984, when he reaches age 18 years, is included in the monthly allowance of £91.25 payable to the person concerned in respect of her seven qualified children.
Children's allowance in respect of an eighth qualified child was in payment up to June 1983 when her second eldest child reached age 16 years. The claimant has been invited to claim continuation of children's allowance in respect of this child if the conditions for payment of the allowance after age 16 are satisfied in his case. When her application is received her entitlement will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome.
342.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be granted disability benefit for her daughter.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 7 October 1983 to 17 January 1984 in accordance with medical certificates received. She has also been paid an increase in respect of her daughter for that period. The initial delay in issuing payment for her dependent child was due to necessary investigations in the case.
343.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a disability benefit appeal will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 12 October 1983 and was paid to 23 November 1983. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that the claimant was capable of work. He was notified of the disallowance of benefit and of his right to appeal on 25 November 1983 but did not do so. The claimant subsequently submitted a final certificate which certified him as fit to resume work on 29 November 1983.
344.
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 30 July 1983. Payment was not made initially on her claim as inquiries into her insurance record were necessary to establish if she was entitled to payment of benefit. When these inquiries were completed disability benefit was awarded from 3 August 1983, the fourth day of incapacity. Due to an administrative error payment was not issued at that time but payment of all benefit due to 9 January 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has now been made.
345.
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 29 November 1983 and his claim was disallowed from 25 November 1983 until 5 January 1984 on the grounds that he lost his employment through circumstances within his own control. He appealed against this disallowance and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer.
His claim has been allowed from 6 January 1984 at the maximum weekly rate of £74.85 applicable to his case. All arrears due since 6 January 1984 less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance due for recoupment to the health board have been paid. Further weekly payments of £74.85 will continue as they become due.
346.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if continuing disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as she applied originally for benefit in 1977 and has continued to apply since then; if he will ensure that her local doctor is consulted on her case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 17 August 1977 to 10 June 1978. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and she was examined by different medical referees on 2 August 1978, 26 August 1979 and 25 June 1980 who decided that she was capable of work. These decisions were upheld by the appeals officer.
The claimant was paid disability benefit from 4 January 1982 to 30 October 1982 and maternity benefit from 1 November 1982 to 22 January 1983. She was again paid disability benefit from 24 January 1983 to 24 August 1983. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and she was examined by a different medical referee on 8 December 1983 who also considered her to be capable of work.
Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of her claim in the near future. Her doctor is advised each time a medical referee examination is arranged and invited to submit any information he considers relevant. Also, claimants are, when being notified of an appeals hearing, advised that they may bring their doctor to the hearing. An appropriate fee is paid by the Department in such an eventuality.
347.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as a matter of urgency as he has been living on £43 supplementary welfare allowance and he has had no means for the past weeks.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance of £66.90 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate in his case, until 6 December 1983. Following his failure to disclose fully his means to the social welfare officer reinvestigating his means, his qualification certificate was revoked and payment of unemployment assistance ceased from 7 December 1983. He appealed against the decision and is being given a further opportunity of disclosing fully his means before his appeal is submitted to the appeals officer for decision. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
348.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 12 January 1984. The pension book payable from 9 February 1984 will be issued shortly to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 12 January 1984 to 8 February 1984 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period will be paid by payable order.
349.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason living alone and free electricity allowances are being withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
A routine investigation of the entitlement of the old age pensioner concerned revealed that a daughter had taken up residence with her. In the circumstances her living alone allowance was withdrawn.
Inquiries are being made to establish if the pensioner's daughter comes within the categories of persons whose residence is disregarded for the purpose of the free electricity allowance scheme. When these inquiries are completed her entitlement to free electricity allowance will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome.
350.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason only £12 per week unemployment assistance is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and the steps he will take to rectify the situation.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 17 August 1983 was authorised at £12 a week being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £28 less means of £16 based on an existing qualification certificate. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for a review of his means which were again assessed at £16 derived from board and lodging on his brother's farm. Weekly payments of £12 continue to be made as they become due. If he is dissatisfied with the means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal against the decision. A form on which to make the appeal may be obtained from his local office.
351.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 25 November 1983, and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined shortly in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
352.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
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 will be made in the matter if the Deputy will furnish additional information about the applicant.
353.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason correct unemployment benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway despite the fact that he has been signing for the past four months; the date on which he will be paid; the weekly amount; the arrears; if he will explain the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is a landholder and an applicant for unemployment benefit. He did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three-year period prior to his date of claim and as the income from his holding exceeded £2 daily his unemployment benefit claim was disallowed. A form to enable him to appeal against this decision was issued to him at his request recently.
354.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to free travel.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit and is not, as such, entitled to free travel. His entitlement to an invalidity pension is, however, being examined and if this pension is awarded a free travel pass will be issued to him automatically.
355.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have a free telephone rental granted to a person (details supplied) in Kilkenny as his case was appealed on 18 November 1983 and evidence in support of his claim forwarded to the Department.
In order to qualify for a free telephone rental allowance, an applicant must be living entirely alone or only with persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency. The person concerned has been asked to furnish additional medical evidence in respect of his wife and 15-year-old daughter who resides with him, in support of his application. When this evidence is received, his application for free telephone rental allowance will be reviewed and he will be notified of the outcome.
356.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will clarify the situation regarding the continuation of unemployment assistance or benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit from 3 January 1983 was disallowed from 10 October 1983 to 18 October 1983 on the grounds that he was not unemployed within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts. Payment has now been restored at the weekly rate of £35.89. All arrears due will be issued to him this week. Weekly payments of £35.89 will continue to be made as they become due.
357.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on his Department's failure to restore social welfare benefits to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if all arrears retrospective to 24 September 1983 will be paid forthwith.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 17 May 1982 and was paid to 24 September 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 disallowance of benefit and in this connection was examined by a different medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was incapable of work from 26 September 1983. However, due to an administrative error benefit was not restored. The matter has since been rectified and all benefit due to him to date less the amount advanced by the MidWestern Health Board has been issued.
358.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason his Department decided that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 was capable to work in the period 1 November to 3 December 1983 since they accept that prior to the former date and subsequent to the latter date he was incapable of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 26 August 1983 to 31 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 disallowance and in connection with his appeal he was examined by a different medical referee on 5 December 1983. The medical referee considered that he was incapable of work on that date. Benefit was accordingly restored from 5 December 1983 and all benefit due to 13 January 1984, date of latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
The case was referred to an appeals officer and he decided on 12 January 1984 that the claimant was capable of work from 1 November 1983 to 3 December 1983 and was not entitled to be paid benefit in respect of that period.
359.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he applied 16 weeks ago; and the reason for the delay.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit on 24 October 1983 was disallowed on the grounds that he did not satisfy the contribution conditions. Following inquiries into his means his application for unemployment assistance was authorised at £55.55 a week being the appropriate maximum rate in his case. All arrears due will be paid to him this week and further weekly payments of £55.55 will continue to be made as they become due.
360.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The unemployment claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the ground that he did not satisfy the contribution conditions of 78 paid contributions in a three-year period and that the income from his holding exceeded £2 daily. He has appealed against the disallowance of his claim, and arrangements are being made for a hearing of his case by an appeals officer at the earliest possible date.
In the meantime, he claimed unemployment assistance with effect from 23 November 1983 and his claim was allowed at £13.05 weekly being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him, £66.90 less means, £53.85, derived from the profit from land. All arrears due will be paid this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
361.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Longford.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 28 November 1983 and his claim was authorised at £34.80 weekly which is the maximum rate appropriate to his case. All unemployment benefit due to date has been paid to him. He has been requested to furnish his current form P.45 so that his entitlement to pay-related benefit may be determined. Weekly payments of £34.80 continue to be made as they become due.