asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when this matter will be rectified; when disability benefit payments will be resumed; and if back-payments will be made for the duration of the time when the benefit was withdrawn on the instructions of the medical referee.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
568.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 27 February 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and in connection with her appeal arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 14 May 1984. Her entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
569.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has not been put on an invalidity pension as he has now been on disability benefit for a number of years; and when he will be put on an invalidity pension.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit since April 1982 and payments are issued at regular weekly intervals. A form to enable him to apply for an invalidity pension has been issued to him and on its return the application will be dealt with without delay.
570.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the prolonged delay in bringing deserted wives payments up to date for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if the application will now be finally approved and all outstanding payments made to her as she is in serious financial need.
The claim to deserted wife's allowance/benefit to the person concerned is at present under investigation. The claimant has been visited by a local officer of the Department but it is also necessary to have her husband interviewed in order to obtain his version of the circumstances which led to the break-up of the marriage. A number of unsuccessful efforts to do so have already been made and the officer will call again to his address inside the next few days. When the report is received a decision will be given and the claimant will be notified. Meanwhile she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Eastern Health Board.
571.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan is not receiving the maximum rate of old age pension.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 19 August 1983 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £32.45 plus £16.30 adult dependant allowance and £7.30 dependent child allowance from 29 October 1982, which increased to £36.60 plus £18.40 and £8.20 from 1 July 1983.
This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of half the weekly value of a holding. However, as the pensioner's only qualified child has now reached 18 years of age the matter has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
572.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the rate of unemployment benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; the reason for payment at this rate; and when arrears of benefit will be payable to the person.
According to the Department's records the person concerned did not satisfy the contribution conditions during the contribution period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 which governed her entitlement to payment of benefit from 14 September 1983.
A new benefit year commenced on 2 January 1984 and as she satisfied the contribution conditions for maximum rate unemployment benefit during the period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983, her claim was allowed at the maximum weekly rate of £34.80. Payment of arrears from 2 January 1984 were made on 13 January 1984 and weekly payments are being made as they become due. She had insufficient earnings to be entitled to pay-related benefit with her flat-rate unemployment benefit.
573.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Longford.
Following a re-investigation of his case the means of the person concerned were assessed at being in excess of the statutory limit and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. Means were derived from the profit from his holding, from capital and the capital value of a house. He appealed and the appeals officer required further information and the case was returned to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries. When they are completed the case will again be returned to the appeals officer for determination. His means will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
574.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused unemployment benefit which she applied for in November 1983.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the conditions that a person must be fully available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned made a claim to unemployment benefit on 7 November 1983. Following the completion of inquiries her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. She appealed against the decision and arrangements were made to hold an oral hearing of her case on 6 February 1984. She did not attend the hearing but in her absence the appeals officer determined the case and decided that she did not fulfil the condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit of being available for work.
575.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an appeal against the decision of his Department on the small-holders' unemployment assistance allowance of 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 his land exceeded the statutory limit of £4,386.20. He recently completed an appeal form and the claim was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. As soon as these are completed the case will be 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.
576.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in dealing with the unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick which is on hand since 7 December 1983; and if a decision will be made forthwith.
The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal. Following the completion of extensive inquiries the case was referred to an appeals officer who also assessed him with means at £96.15 weekly derived from self-employment in the business of carpet selling. Weekly payments of £2.10 being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him £98.25 less £96.15 continue to be made to him as they become due.
577.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance/benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions during the contribution period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 and she is accordingly not entitled to unemployment benefit. However, inquiries are being made about her employment history during the period to ascertain if all contributions due have been paid and when these investigations are completed her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed. She was advised of her entitlement to claim unemployment assistance pending the outcome of the inquiries about her unemployment benefit claim but she has declined to do so, to date.
578.
asked the Minister for Soical Welfare if unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit and following the completion of inquiries it was established that she fulfilled the contribution conditions for benefit at the weekly rate of £30.60. All arrears due were paid last week and further payments will be made as they become due.
579.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
According to records of the Department the person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit in August 1981. He made a further claim for unemployment benefit on 2 January 1984 and he was asked to furnish a form P.45 or a statement from his employer showing the period of employment to enable his record of requalifying contributions to be established. When he does so his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined. In the meantime he is is receipt of unemployment assistance at £19.25 weekly pending the outcome of his unemployment benefit claim.
580.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded £4,053.40 per annum being the statutory limit applicable in his case. He has been issued with an appeal application form and when it is returned arrangements will be made to have his means determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer in his case.
581.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment benefit or 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.
582.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self employment as a carpenter exceeded the statutory limit applicable to him. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries regarding contentions made by him in support of his appeal. When these 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.
583.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the rate of invalidity pension paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5.
The person concerned is in receipt of invalidity pension at the weekly rate of £65.55. This is the maximum rate payable in respect of a married man who is under 66 years of age with no child dependants. Under the provisions of the budget the rate of invalidity pension will be increased to £70.15 from 5 July 1984 and a supplementary pension order book payable from that date covering this increase was issued to the designated post office of payment on 18 April 1984.
584.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a retirement pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if so, when.
The person concerned has been awarded a retirement pension with effect from 15 March 1984 at the maximum personal rate. His wife is in receipt of a non-contributory pension at a rate which is higher than the adult dependant's allowance to which he would otherwise be entitled.
Arrangements are being made to have his invalidity pension withdrawn and to have a retirement pension book issued to the designated post office for collection by him. He is being notified accordingly. Arrears of retirement pension from 15 March 1984, less the amount of invalidity pension paid after that date, will be issued direct to him by payable order.
Details of his Irish insurance record have been sent to the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for examination of his entitlement to a British retirement pension. That Department will reply direct to him regarding this pension.
585.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a free telephone rental allowance to be granted to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance an applicant must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
An application for free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned was refused on 10 April 1984 on the grounds that a son who lived with her was not an excepted person for the purposes of the living alone condition. In the light of the information furnished by the Deputy telephone inquiries were made to establish the present position in this case. These inquiries indicate that the son in question was only temporarily hospitalised and was discharged on 4 May 1984.
586.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance following the exhaustion of his title to unemployment benefit on 11 January 1984, when he completed 390 days. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means after which he was assessed with nil means.
He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £73.60 weekly and payment will commence this week. The balance of any arrears due will be paid as soon as the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which was paid to him pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim is known.
587.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned signed as unemployed from 23 November 1983 to 5 January 1984. He claimed unemployment benefit but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he did not satisfy the contribution conditions during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982.
He claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. 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.
588.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate the position regarding a disability benefit claimant (details supplied) in County Meath who was examined by a medical referee of his Department in January 1984.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 28 November 1983 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 16 February 1984 by a different medical referee 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. She will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
589.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of occupational injury benefit due will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 9 April 1984 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 19 October 1983.
In view of the time-lag between the date of commencement of incapacity and the date of the accident, further inquiries have had to be made from the claimant regarding the circumstances in order to determine whether the incapacity resulted from the accident. A decision on the claim will be made as soon as possible. He may be entitled to disablement benefit and a claim form has been issued to him for completion if he wishes to pursue a claim.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident, he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis from 12 April 1984, the fourth day of incapacity. Pay-related benefit is also in payment from 30 April 1984, the nine-teenth day of incapacity.
590.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when occupational injury benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A completed claim form for disability benefit was received on 21 March 1984 from the person concerned in respect of an incapacity from 13 March. He failed to enclose medical evidence but indicated that the incapacity resulted from an accident at work.
Following receipt of medical evidence inquiries were made from the employers who confirmed details of the occupational accident. Injury benefit was allowed from 16 March, the fourth day of incapacity to 19 March, after which he was certified fit to resume work.
All injury benefit due has now been paid.
591.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free travel ticket will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An application for free travel was received from the person concerned on 1 May 1984. A free travel pass is in the course of issue to him.
592.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to widow's non-contributory pension was received on 18 April 1984 and the local social welfare officer has been requested to investigate her circumstances.
When the officer's report is received a decision will be given in the case without delay and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
593.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a death grant will be paid to the relatives of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
No claim for a death grant has, as yet, been received in the Department in respect of this death. A claim form has been issued to the relatives of the deceased and the claim will receive immediate attention on its return.
594.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a retirement pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded a retirement pension at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 31 contributions with effect from 1 March 1984.
A retirement pension book containing orders payable from 10 May 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly.
Arrears of retirement pension payable from 1 March 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to him after that date, will be issued direct to him by payable order.
595.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; the rate at which it will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 24 April 1984. His case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into his means.
When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
596.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for work.
The deciding officer is not in a position to determine the case until further investigations, which are being made, have been completed. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be decided in the light of the outcome of the inquiries.
597.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free electricity allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An application for a free electricity allowance which was received from the person concerned on 2 May 1984 has been approved and the ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the May-June 1984 billing period onwards.
598.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to an unmarried mother's allowance is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. It is expected that a report will be received inside the next few days. A decision will then be given and the claimant will be notified of the outcome without delay.
Meanwhile she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Southern Health Board.
599.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 15 March 1984. The pension book payable from 10 May 1984 has been issued to the designated post office of payment.
Arrears in respect of the period from 15 March 1984 to 9 May 1984, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, will be paid by payable order.
600.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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 to trace a disability benefit claim for the person concerned. If the RSI number of the claimant can be quoted this will enable the disability benefit claim to be identified. A decision regarding entitlement to invalidity pension can then be given and the information sought by the Deputy supplied.
601.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is proposed to pay disability benefit for a three-week period for which a person (details supplied) in County Galway was out of work due to illness.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 29 February 1984 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 24 February 1984.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis from 3 March 1984, the fourth day of certified incapacity. Disability benefit has been paid in respect of the period to 10 March, after which he resumed work.
The employers have indicated that they have not received a report of the alleged accident at work. Further inquiries have been made from the claimant regarding reporting the accident and a decision will be made on the claim to injury benefit as soon as possible.
602.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a retirement pension will be paid to a person
(details supplied) in County Wexford for the period 13 September 1983 to 5 December 1983.
Arrears of British widow's allowance which were payable to the person concerned for the period 13 September 1983 to 5 December 1983 were received in the Department on 16 December 1983. They amounted to £569.82 sterling.
There was no trace of a claim to Irish widow's pension having been received from her and no reply was received to forms which were sent to her. The arrears were not, therefore, required by the Department to offset any payment of widow's non-contributory pension. However, the South-Eastern Health Board had claimed a refund of supplementary welfare allowance paid by them to the widow and the full amount was forwarded to the board on 6 April 1984.
It is now understood from the board that the person concerned died on 17 April 1984 and that one of their officers will call to the relatives shortly in connection with the balance of the arrears held by the board.
603.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity allowance will be granted to a permanently incapacitated person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 10 December 1981 and payment is 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. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 23 May 1984. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
604.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when children's allowance will be paid in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Wexford for whom two applications for children's allowance have been made.
There is no trace of the receipt in the Department of a claim for children's allowance in respect of the child in question.
An application form has, accordingly, been issued for completion. When the form is returned to the Department with the necessary documentation, the claim will be decided and any allowance due will be issued promptly.
605.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he has been awaiting payment for four months.
The person concerned reapplied for unemployment assistance on 19 September 1983. Following investigation he was assessed with means of £86.50 weekly derived from land. Payment of unemployment assistance was made at the rate of £1.55 being the maximum rate payable £88.05 less means £86.50 from 30 November 1983. He is due arrears from 19 September 1983 to 29 November 1983 and arrangements have been made to pay the sum due this week.
He appealed against the assessment of his means and the case was referred back to the social welfare officer for clarification of details of the holding. When these inquiries are completed the case will be referred to the appeals officer for determination.
He ceased signing on 3 January 1984.
606.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he applied over three months ago.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £21.15 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding. Accordingly he was entitled to unemployment assistance at £6.85 being the maximum rate payable to him £28.00 less £21.15 means and all arrears due were paid on 28 February 1984. He ceased signing as unemployed after 13 March 1984.
607.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim for unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit 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.
608.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he has been awaiting payment for seven weeks.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 21 March 1984. He was not qualified for benefit at the commencement of his claim as according to the records of the Department he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1982-83, the contribution year governing his claim.
Following inquiries with his employer it was subsequently established that the claimant had sufficient contributions in 1982-83 to qualify him for benefit at the maximum appropriate rate.
A cheque for the amount of disability benefit payable from 24 March 1984, fourth day of incapacity to 30 April 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, was issued to him on 4 May 1984.
He has already been requested to submit details of his earnings in the 1982-83 tax year so that his entitlement to payrelated benefit may be determined.
609.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 30 November 1983 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £32.45 from 23 May 1983, which increased to £36.60 from 1 July 1983. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means, consisting of the weekly value of capital.
A pension book at the appropriate rate issued to the pensioner is July 1983.
610.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £1.90 per week being the maximum rate payable to him £70.15 less means £68.25. His means are derived from the profit of his holding.
He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
611.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason small holders unemployment assistance was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
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 assessment of his means and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer requires further information about the income from his holding and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries.
When these are completed the case will be referred to the appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
612.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. Means in his case were derived from the profit from his land.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed him with means in excess of the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. Further details of his income and expenses were recently furnished and his case has been referred again to the appeals officer to consider whether the information supplied warranted a revision of the decision in his case. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
613.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £26.90 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £73.60 less means £46.70. His means are derived from self-employment.
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 are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of his decision.
614.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £26.45 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £28.00 less means of £1.55 previously assessed against him. Following a review of his case his means were re-assessed at £12.00 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £16.00 weekly.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed and the appeals officer also assessed his means at £12.00 weekly. Due however, to an error in filing the notification of the decision of the appeals officer was inadvertently delayed and was only recently issued to the applicant.
615.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £18.70 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parents home. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed him at £18.70 weekly. He was paid unemployment assistance at £9.30 being the maximum rate payable to him £28.00 weekly less £18.70.
In the light of a change in the domestic circumstances of his parents his case was reviewed and following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with nil means with effect from 6 March 1984. He is accordingly entitled to the maximum rate of unemployment assistance at £28.00 from that date and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
616.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the correct rate of unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal. These investigations were recently completed and arrangements are being made to have his means determined by an appeals officer. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
In the meantime he continues to be paid unemployment assistance at £2.75 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £50.75 less £48.00 means.
617.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare how a decision was made that a person (details supplied) in County Clare was not entitled to unemployment assistance as an investigation officer never visited the person after he made an appeal.
Following re-investigation by a social welfare officer the means of the person concerned were deemed to exceed the statutory limit. The means were derived from profit from a holding and the yearly value of capital. In assessing means due allowance was made for expenses incurred in the earning of his income. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case which included the contentions on which he based his appeal was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer in the light of the evidence before him also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit applicable to him, £4,651.40 per annum and he was notified accordingly on 12 March 1984.
618.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The unemployment assistance case of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed and an appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit. Additional information was later made available in the light of which the appeals officer revised his decision and reduced the assessment of his means to £50.00 weekly. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £23.60 weekly, being the maximum rate payable to him £73.60 less £50.00. He has ceased to sign as unemployed but he has been written to by his local office to call for the purpose of receiving payment of the arrears of unemployment assistance due to him.
619.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in issuing small holders unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following a re-investigation of his case 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 assessment of his means and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred again to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. It is expected that these inquiries will be completed shortly, after which the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
620.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of arrears of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him £60.00 weekly and an appeals officer reduced the assessment of his means to nil with effect from 20 December 1983. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £103.05 weekly. He was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his appeal application and the amount of arrears of unemployment assistance due to him had to be recouped to his local health board. He accordingly received all unemployment assistance to which he was entitled. He is understood to have recently resumed work.
621.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored in full to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since June 1973. He was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £44.45 weekly, being the maximum rate payable to him £48.25 less means £3.80. His case was referred to a social welfare officer to re-investigate his means and following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with means at £59.60 weekly derived from the profit from his land with effect from 18 January 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £7.30 weekly, being the maximum rate payable to him £66.90 less £59.60. It is open to him to appeal against the reassessment of means. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his local office.
622.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as the appeal was submitted over three months ago.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £14.65 weekly derived from the profit from his land, capital and from self-employment as a herdsman. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £14.75 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 less £14.65 means. He was advised of his right to appeal against the amount of means assessed against him but has not done so to date. If there has been a change in his circumstances it is open to him to apply for a review of his case. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
623.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when small holders unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following a re-investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £48.20 weekly, derived from the profit from his land. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £2.55 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £50.75 less £48.20 means. He appealed against the assessment of his means and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred again to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were recently completed and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
624.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Clare against the total withdrawal of his unemployment assistance.
Following investigation of his means by a social welfare officer the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance. His case has been referred back to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries in the light of contentions made in support of his appeal after which it will be referred to the appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed as soon as his means are assessed by the appeals officer.
625.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Clare against a reduction in his small holders unemployment assistance.
Following re-investigation of his means by a social welfare officer the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 1 February 1984 on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance. His case has been referred back to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries after which it will be 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.
626.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare who has applied twice.
A repeat claim to old age pension from the person concerned has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When inquiries have been completed it will be referred to the local pension committee for decision. If payment of pension is recommended by the social welfare officer it will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the committee's decision.
627.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £24.40 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his mother's holding. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £3.60 weekly. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and in the light of inquiries his means were reduced to £20.70 weekly with effect from 1 December 1983. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £7.30 weekly, being the maximum rate £28.00 less £20.70. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week.
628.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he applied over four months ago.
Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £23.00 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £5 weekly, being the maximum rate payable to him £28, less £23 means.
If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
629.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following a re-investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £48.20 weekly, derived from the profit from land. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £10.10 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £58.30 less £48.20 means. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
630.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and when back payment will be made.
Following a re-investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £23.05 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging on his parents holding. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £6.35 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 less £23.05 means. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
631.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 18 January 1984 on the grounds that his means derived from the profit of his land and from capital exceeded the statutory limit, in his case £3,387.80. 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 are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
632.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he is in a difficult financial position.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £105.70 weekly derived from the profit from land and was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £2.75 weekly when his child attained the age of 18 years on 8 November 1983. He was not entitled to unemployment assistance after that date as the means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate payable to him. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to a social welfare officer to investigate contentions made by him in support of his appeal. When these inquiries are completed his case will be referred to the appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
633.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he applied over four months ago.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £7.65 a week, being the maximum rate payable in his case £70.15 less means of £62.50 previously assessed. He applied for a review of his means which were reduced to £19.20 from 26 October 1983. His means were derived from the profit from his land. Unemployment assistance at the rate of £50.95 has been authorised and payment of arrears due for period 26 October 1983 to 18 January 1984 was made on 3 May 1984. He ceased signing as unemployed after 18 January 1984.
634.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for unemployment benefit to be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned last claimed unemployment benefit on 12 January 1982 when she exhausted her title to that benefit. She claimed disability benefit from 24 September 1982 and payment was issued from 28 September 1982, the fourth day of incapacity, to 26 September 1983. Payment ceased after that date as she has less than 156 reckonable contributions paid on her behalf since she entered insurable employment and was therefore only entitled to payment of benefit for 52 weeks. She was informed of the position on 14 September 1983. In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to resume insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid for a minimum period of 13 weeks.