asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a pay-related problem resolved for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
492.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 26 March 1984 and has been paid to 11 June 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit as regulations operative from 4 April 1984 provide that pay-related benefit is not payable where the total amount of disability benefit payable equals or exceeds 75 per cent of a claimant's average weekly earnings in the relevant income tax year. In the claimant's case 75 per cent of his average reckonable weekly earnings in the income tax year ended 5 April 1983 has been calculated as £71.63. Disability benefit is being paid at the weekly rate of £90.15.
493.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been cancelled; and if he will immediately restore the benefit.
The entitlement of an applicant to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that she is available for work and to fulfil this condition the applicant must at all times be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking employment.
Following a review of the unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned her unemployment benefit claim was disallowed with effect from 23 May 1984 on the grounds that she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance of her claim and arrangements have been made to hold an oral hearing of her appeal this week. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
494.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the fact that his case was reinvestigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £29.05 weekly derived from the profit from his land. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at 35p weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 less £29.05 means.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and he requested an oral hearing of his case. He was asked to state his contentions in support of his appeal and in the light of his reply the appeals officer directed that further inquiries in the matter be made by a social welfare officer. These investigations were recently completed and the case has been again submitted to an appeals officer for determination.
495.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a review of his case the means of the person concerned were assessed at £34.85 weekly derived from the profit from his farm and as the amount of his means exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and on the basis of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquires. When these investigations are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
496.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the up-to-date position regarding the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for an increase in his unemployment assistance; and the up-to-date position on his appeal.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £65.10 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £8.50 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £73.60 less means £65.10. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and on the basis of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These investigations were recently completed and his case has been submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
497.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an occupational injury benefit claim will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit in respect of a certified incapacity, rheumatoid arthritis in his hands and ankles. He also claimed injury benefit under the occupational injuries scheme in respect of an incapacity ‘Raynaud's disease', stated to have resulted from his occupation involving the use of pneumatic drills. In order to qualify for injury benefit, the incapacitating disease is required to be included in the schedule of diseases prescribed under the scheme. Raynaud's disease is not prescribed for this purpose and the claim accordingly could not be allowed.
498.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be taken with regard to an application for a disability pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
A claim for disability benefit was received from the person concerned on 28 May 1984 in respect of an incapacity for work which commenced on 3 May 1984. All benefit payable to him to 31 May 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
499.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will now direct his Department to pay the extra amount; the total amount of arrears to be paid; the date on which payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 8 February 1984 following exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit. Due to an oversight payment of unemployment assistance was made to him on the basis of means previously assessed against him whereas payment should not have been made until his means had been re-assessed. Payments have been discontinued from 13 June 1984 when the error came to light. His case has since been reviewed and his means derived from land and capital have been assessed at being in excess of the statutory limit with effect from 8 March 1984. It is open to him to appeal against this assessment and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
500.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory widow's pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The claim to widow's non-contributory pension by the person concerned was refused because her means, derived from rents received from a number of flats and premises plus some capital, were assessed at £131.05 per week, which exceeded the limit of £40 per week applicable to her as a widow under 66 years of age without any qualified children. She was notified of this decision on 30 April 1984 and of her right to appeal if she was dissatisfied with it. An appeal was received from her on 16 May 1984 and her case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. An oral hearing of the case will be held and she will be notified of the date and location of the hearing when the arrangements have been made.
501.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will outline this person's income from farming and amount of cost allowed against it.
Following a reinvestigation of his employment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £36.60 weekly derived from the profit from his land and from capital. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £50.40 weekly which is the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £87 less means of £36.60. The income of the person concerned derived from the gross output of his farm amounting to £5,300 per annum and the total expenses incurred and allowed in earning this income amounting to £3,400 per annum. The net value of his capital was calculated at £2 per annum. Accordingly, the net income on which his means were assessed was £1,902 per annum or £36.60 weekly.
502.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason no explanation was given to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford whose appeal for unemployment benefit was disallowed.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 12 March 1984. His claim was disallowed from 3 March 1984 to 13 April 1984 on the grounds that he lost his employment through circumstances within his control. He appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of his case on 30 May 1984. The appeals officer also decided that he lost his employment through circumstances within his control and he was notified accordingly on 1 June 1984. On expiry of the disallowance period his claim was allowed at the maximum weekly flat rate of £74.85 from 14 April 1984 and weekly payments are continuing to be made to him as they become due.
503.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making payments to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has been signing for unemployment assistance for 15 weeks.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until the inquiries by a social welfare officer about her means had been completed. The investigations were recently completed and she was assessed with means at £20.80 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on her parents' holding. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance from 10 January 1984 at £7.20 being the maximum weekly rate payable to her of £28 less £20.80 means. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
504.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the husband of the person concerned has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the May-June 1984 billing period onwards. The delay in processing this application was due to a clerical error.
505.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The means of the person concerned were increased from nil to £20 weekly with effect from 28 December 1983. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance since that date at £38.30 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £58.30 less means £20 derived from benefit from his wife's income. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £20 weekly. Weekly payments of £38.30 will continue to be made as they become due.
506.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for an old age pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The old-age pension claim of the person concerned has been investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision. Pension at the weekly rate of £29.60 including £3 living alone allowance has been recommended by the social welfare officer with effect from 3 February 1984. This is the rate appropriate to the claimant's means consisting of the weekly value of a holding.
If the person concerned is dissatisfied with the committee's decision he will have the right to appeal against it. The appropriate pension books and the arrears due have been issued.
507.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 24 April 1984 at £15.60 weekly being the maximum rate appropriate to him £73.60 less £58 means. His means were derived from land and capital. He has not been in touch with his local office since 24 April 1984.
508.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following re-investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned payment was disallowed from 28 December 1983 as his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and on 1 June 1984 an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He has been informed accordingly.
509.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for smallholders unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 5 October 1983 at £6.45 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £92.35 less means £85.90 derived from the profit from his holding. It is open to him to seek a review of the amount of means assessed against him and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
510.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for smallholders' unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £15.20 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £28 less £12.80 means derived from the value of board and lodging on his parents' holding. He has applied for a reassessment of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for report. When the inquiries are completed the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
511.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 31 August 1983 on the grounds that the means assessed against him exceeded the statutory limit. His means were derived from the profit from his holding. He did not appeal against the amount of means assessed against him. He made a fresh claim in April of this year and this has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed.
512.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for smallholders' unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned who had previously been disallowed unemployment assistance because the means assessed against him exceeded the statutory limit re-applied for unemployment assistance on 5 June 1984. The case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed.
513.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £12.40 weekly being the maximum rate appropriate to him of £29.40 less means £17. He has ceased to sign at his local office since 1 May 1984 and has not been in touch since. It is open to him to re-apply for unemployment assistance at his local office.
514.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £19.80 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £58.30 less £38.50 means. His means are derived from the benefit of the holding of his parents-in-law and were determined by an appeals officer on 8 December 1983 with effect from 25 May 1983. Weekly payments of £19.80 will continue to be made as they become due.
515.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is proposed to grant an increase in the old age pension of a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Recent representations received from the Deputy have been accepted as an application for an increase in the existing rate of old age pension of the person concerned. The application has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the necessary inquiries have been completed the matter will be decided upon and he will be notified of the outcome in due course.
516.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for smallholders' unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £16.90 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him, £29.40 less means, £12.50 weekly. His means are derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding. It is open to him to appeal against the amount of means assessed against him and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
517.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for an old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 15 November 1983 that the person concerned is entitled to a pension of £6.45 per week from 23 March 1983, increased to £10.60 per week from 1 July 1983. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of the weekly value of a holding.
518.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is proposed to grant an increase in the old age pension of a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 21 May 1984 that having regard to the assessment of means consisting of the weekly value of a holding and capital the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £2.60. If the person concerned feels that his circumstances have changed since then it is open to him to apply for an increase in his pension by notifying this Department to that effect.
519.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for an old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The application of the person concerned for an old age (non-contributory) pension has been investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision. Payment of pension at a rate of £14.60 per week from 16 February 1984 has been recommended by the social welfare officer. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of the estimated weekly value of a holding. The appropriate pension book has been issued on a provisional basis pending the committee's decision and the arrears of pension due will issue shortly.
520.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension has been discontinued for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny since last February.
A review of the entitlements of the persons concerned revealed that there had been an increase in their means consisting of half the weekly value of their combined British retirement pensions and capital part of which was not disclosed at the original investigation of their claims.
The latest assessment of their means is in excess of the statutory limit for payment of pension. A decision on their entitlements will be made shortly and they will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. In the meantime payment of old age pensions in their cases has had to be suspended.
521.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive unemployment benefit and the reason for the delay.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the claimant must have had since entry into insurance not less than 26 contribution weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions have been paid. The minimum age for entry into insurance is 16 years.
The person concerned has only 22 contribution weeks of insurable employment in the period 31 July 1983 (age 16) to termination of employment on 22 December 1983. His claim to unemployment benefit on 1 February 1984 was accordingly disallowed on the grounds that he did not fulfil the contribution conditions for unemployment benefit.
522.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive an old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been investigated and the social welfare officer has recommended payment of pension at the weekly rate of £4.00 including £1.40 adult dependant allowance from 17 February 1984 and £55.00 including £18.40 allowance from 5 March 1984 the date of transfer of part of the claimant's holding.
The claimant will be notified of the decision on his claim as soon as possible.
In the meantime, payment is being made on a provisional basis. The appropriate pension book has been issued and a payable order in respect of arrears will be issued shortly.
523.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a widow (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded a free telephone rental allowance.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned has been approved and a notification to this effect was issued to her on 14 June 1984. Telecom Éireann has been advised of the decision in her case and will arrange to apply the allowance to her telephone account.
524.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the rate of £18 per week and cannot be paid the maximum rate in view of previous representations made by Deputy O'Leary stating that her father is out of work through illness since October 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was reviewed on 8 June 1984 and the means against her were reduced from £10.05 weekly to nil. Accordingly she is entitled to payment at the maximum rate of £28.00 weekly with effect from 30 March 1984. All arrears due will be paid this week. Payments of £28.00 weekly will continue to be made as they become due.
525.
Mr. O'Leary
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the up-to-date position regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to refuse to grant her a widow's pension at the maximum rate; and if he will give special consideration to this case having regard to her poor financial circumstances.
The original claim to widow's non-contributory pension in March 1982 by the person concerned was refused because her means at that time exceeded the limit which then applied. Her reapplication in February 1983 was also refused because her means, derived from the capital value of a house, were assessed at £36.86 per week which exceeded the limit of £36 applicable to her. She appealed against this decision but the appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer.
However, with the extended income limits from 1 July 1983 she qualified on her means for pension at the rate of £5.85 per week which is the rate payable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children who has means between £36 and £38 per week. It will be increased to £8.50 per week from 6 July next. A social welfare officer has been recently requested to supply an up-to-date report on her circumstances. When his report is received her case will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome.
526.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the up-to-date position regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to reduce his unemployment assistance by £20 per week in view of the fact that he is married with one child and is in poor circumstances.
Following a re-investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed from 9 May 1984 at £30.75 weekly, derived from the profit from his land. He is accordingly in receipt of £27.55 weekly, being the maximum weekly rate payable to him £58.30 less £30.75 means. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for consideration. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
527.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite payment of a maternity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A claim to maternity benefit has been authorised in respect of the person concerned. All benefit payable from 16 April 1984, less £65 which has been refunded to the Southern Health Board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, has issued.
528.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for an old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 21 December 1983 that the person concerned is not entitled to a non-contributory old age pension as he does not fulfil the statutory conditions as to means. His means, consisting of the letting value of a holding, the transfer of which is not acceptable for pension purposes, and capital, the disposal of part of which has not been satisfactorily accounted for, exceed the statutory limit.
529.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being paid £8 per week unemployment assistance and if he will have his claim reassessed due to the circumstances.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied. Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
530.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in receipt of £8 per week unemployment assistance and if he will have this claim reassessed due to the circumstances.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £8 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £28 less means of £20 derived from self-employment. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
531.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a person (details supplied) in County Cork deserted wife's allowance as this matter has been outstanding for a considerable length of time.
The necessary inquiries in this case have now been completed and the person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's benefit at the weekly rate of £75.40 from 1 March 1984. This is the maximum rate of benefit for a woman with three qualified children.
An order book payable from 21 June 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 from 1 March 1984 to 20 June 1984, less the amounts of supplementary welfare allowance and the dependant's portion of her husband's disability benefit paid to her during that time, will be issued to her shortly.
532.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £6.15 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £29.40 less means, £23.25 derived from profit from his holding. 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 to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries are completed the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed.
533.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was not paid her maternity allowance as she has forwarded all relevant documentation.
Payment of maternity benefit cannot be approved in this case as the contribution conditions are not satisfied. In order to qualify for payment the person concerned would have required 26 contributions paid (at the appropriate rate) or credited in the income tax years 1982-83 or 1983-84. The person concerned has 22 contributions paid at the appropriate rate and one credit in 1982-83 and only nine reckonable contributions in 1983-84.
534.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted her contributory widow's pension book and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned whose claim was received on 10 May 1984 has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £63.45 with effect from Friday, 25 May 1984. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years with two qualified children. It will be increased to £67.90 per week from 6 July next. Her husband who died on 11 April 1984 had been in receipt of invalidity pension of £84.80 per week which included an increase in respect of his wife and two children and payment of this pension continued to her for six weeks after his death, in place of widow's pension.
A pension order book payable from 22 June 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. The arrears of pension for the period 25 May 1984 to 21 June, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her in the same period, will be sent direct to her shortly by means of a payable order. It was necessary before a pension could be awarded in this case to establish the late husband's full insurance record.
535.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid her living alone allowance.
No claim for a living alone allowance can be traced from the person concerned. In view of the Deputy's question a social welfare officer has been asked to call on her and report on her living arrangements. When the officer's report is received a decision on whether or not she qualifies for a living alone allowance will be given and she will be notified.
536.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not being paid unemployment assistance and if he will expedite the decision.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £8.40 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £63.75 less means, £55.35 derived from self-employment. 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 to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These investigations were recently completed and arrangements are being made to have the case determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
537.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the length of time he has an appeal within the Department from a person (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding the discontinuation of his unemployment assistance payments, the reason for the delay, and when it is likely the matter will be resolved.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 29 June 1983, on the grounds that his means derived from land and from capital exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit on 26 September 1983. The claimant was informed of this decision.
Following representations the case was again referred to an appeals officer who decided on 4 May 1984 that no new evidence or facts had been presented that would warrant a revision of the decision of 26 September 1983 assessing him with means exceeding the statutory limit. The claimant is being informed of this decision.
538.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment assistance due will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until the inquiries being made by a social welfare officer about his means had been completed. The investigations were recently completed and he was assessed with means at £13.45 weekly derived from land. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £53.45 weekly being the maximum amount payable to him £66.90 less means £13.45 for the period 21 April 1984 to 19 May 1984 when he ceased signing.
All arrears of unemployment assistance due were paid on 15 June 1984 less £120 which was refunded to the health board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance which was advanced to him while his claim was under investigation.
539.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a replacement children's allowance book and payment of arrears due will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned reported on 25 May 1984 that her allowance book had been stolen and that the last payment she received was April 1984. A replacement book payable from May 1984 was issued direct to her home address on 8 June 1984.
540.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when two weeks arrears of unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 15 February 1984. He has previously been in receipt of disability benefit to 31 January 1984 when he was found capable of work by a medical referee. Inquiries had to be made to establish that he fulfilled the condition of being available for employment for the period 1 February 1984 to 14 February 1984. These investigations were recently completed and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week.
541.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the up-to-date position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, who has been signing for unemployment assistance since December 1983 and has not been paid to date.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 9 December 1983. He was not available for interview when the social welfare officer called to see him in January 1984 and did not make himself available for some time. He has now been interviewed and when the report of the social welfare officer is received his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed and the rate payable to him determined accordingly.
542.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the non-contributory widow's pension of a person (details supplied) in County Cork was substantially reduced.
Where a widow takes an active part in the running of a farm certain monetary disregards are allowed in respect of qualified children in the calculation of her means for widow's non-contributory pension purposes.
Following a review of the circumstances of the person concerned in December 1982, the rate of non-contributory pension payable to her was reduced to £23.70 because her weekly means, derived from a farm and capital, were assessed at £53.34 per week as against £15.28 prior to that. She had by that time ceased to participate in the management of the family farm. The amounts previously disregarded when calculating her means were therefore no longer allowable to her and she was assessed with her full share of the total income received from the letting of the farm. She was notified of this decision on 1 March 1983 and of her right to appeal, if dissatisfied with it. No appeal was received from her.
However, following a further review last year the assessment of weekly means was reduced to £49.13 and as a consequence her pension was increased to £27.70 per week from 15 March 1983 and to £36.25 from 1 July 1983 on the implementation of the budget improvements for that year. This is the rate payable to a widow under 66 years with four qualified children whose means exceed £48 per week but do not exceed £50. It will be further increased to £41.85 from 6 July next.
543.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will have his unemployment assistance increased from £18.25 per week, and if he will expedite a decision on the matter in view of the fact that he is unable to manage on the stated income.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £18.25 weekly being the maximum amount appropriate in his case £52.25 less means £34. His means are derived from an occupational pension and from capital. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
544.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is dependent on supplementary allowance, and has not received a widow's pension.
One of the conditions for award of widow's contributory pension under Irish legislation is that a yearly average of at least 24 contributions must have been paid or credited on the late husband's or the widow's own insurance. This condition was not satisfied on either record in the case of the person concerned.
Protracted inquiries were needed to establish the full insurance record for her late husband because he also had United Kingdom insurance and the widow's claim therefore required to be examined under EEC Regulations. However, it has been established that there is no entitlement to this pension and she has been notified accordingly. Her possible entitlement to a pension from Britian is currently under investigation by the United Kingdom authorities and they will inform her of the outcome.
The position of the person concerned with regard to a widow's non-contributory pension in this country was also examined (in November 1983) but because her weekly means of £113.07, derived from the profit from a shop and a British widow's allowance at that time, exceeded the limit of £40 per week for the receipt of pension by a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children, her application was refused. The British allowance was due to cease in February 1984 and she was advised, depending on her circumstances generally, to re-apply at that stage for the non-contributory widow's pension. No claim was, however, received from her. In view of the question by the Deputy a social welfare officer has been asked to investigate the claimant's present circumstances and her case will be reviewed when his report is received.
545.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following notification of the disallowance of his unemployment benefit claim of 28 December 1983, the person concerned made a claim for unemployment assistance on 29 February 1984. The investigation of the means of the claimant is nearing completion and it is expected that the social welfare officer's report in the matter will be available shortly. His entitlement to unemployment assistance from 28 December 1983 will then be determined in the light of the means assessed against him. He is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
546.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Galway who is in receipt of £41.40 per week contributory widow's pension is entitled to an increase in her pension.
The pension of £41.40 currently in payment to the person concerned will be increased to £44.30 per week from 6 July next. This is the maximun rate of contributory widow's pension payable to a person over 66 years of age and under 80 years with no qualified children. If the claimant is living alone or is incapacitated and requires full-time care and attention, an additional allowance may be payable to her provided she satisfies the relevant conditions. A form of application for either of these additional allowances is available at any post office.
547.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a portion of the unemployment benefit payable to a person in County Cork will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is caring for his children.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment benefit with effect from 8 May 1984. He claimed an increase of benefit in respect of his two children but the increase was refused on the grounds that the children did not normally reside with him and he did not appear to be supporting them. His case is now being reviewed and arrangements are being made to interview him at the employment exchange this week to establish the present position with a view to determining whether the original decision can be revised.
548.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was paid only for the period 9 February 1983 as he was out of work and ill from 6 February to 27 February 1983; and also if the amount paid included pay-related benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 6 February 1984. He was paid from 9 February 1984, fourth day of incapacity to 20 February 1984. The date of resumption of work was misread as 20 February instead of 27 February on his final medical certificate. An adjustment cheque paying disability from 20 February 1984 to 25 February 1984 was issued on 18 June 1984. Pay-related benefit is payable from the nineteenth day of incapacity. The claim was of less than 19 days duration and pay-related benefit was therefore not payable to the person concerned.
549.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be considered for an invalidity pension application.
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 10 May 1984 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 after nine months. He is not therefore qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension. His entitlement will be reviewed in the light of the next examination by the medical referee. In the meantime he continues to receive disability benefit at the rate of £74.85 a week, the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with two child dependants.
550.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a maximum rate of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and when PRSI refunds will be made.
The person concerned made a claim to unemployment benefit on 9 May 1984 and his claim was allowed from that date. He ceased to sign as unemployed after 4 June 1984. Payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit at the weekly rate of £57.35 being the maximum rate appropriate in his case, was authorised from 9 May 1984 and all payments due to him have been made. Payment of pay-related benefit has now been authorised and a payable order in respect of the arrears due for the period 31 May 1984 to 4 June 1984 will issue to him this week. If he wishes to claim benefit for the period he was unemployed prior to 9 May 1984, he should forward a request in writing to his local office stating the reason for the delay in making his claim. The matter will then be referred to a deciding officer for determination.
551.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an appeals officer did not call on a person (details supplied) in County Galway to interview him; if the estimated income of £4,053.40 was gross or nett; and the allowances that were made for (i) expenses incurred in farming and (ii) dependants.
Following interview and 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 applicable to him of £4,053.40 per annum. This statutory limit included the appropriate amount in respect of his four dependent children. The net income of the person concerned derived from the gross output of his farm was estimated at £4,600 per annum after allowing for total expenses incurred in earning this income amounting to £3,966 per annum.
He appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and arising from the contentions raised in the appeal, the case was referred to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination. Entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.