asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded an increased rate of unemployment assistance.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
565.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £23.40 weekly being the maximum rate payable to her £29.95 less means of £6.55. Her means were derived from board and lodging in her parents' home. It is open to her to apply to have her means reviewed if there is a change in the domestic circumstances in her parents' home. A form for this purpose may be obtained at her local office on completion of which her case will be reinvestigated and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to her will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
566.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been cut off disability benefit as he is still severely ill; and when payments will be resumed.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 17 September 1984 following examination by a medical referee who considered him to be capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and in connection with his appeal arrangements are being made to have him examined by a different medical referee. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
567.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when home assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
To be entitled to unemployment assistance an applicant must be the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must fulfil certain conditions which include an assessment of her means. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. She was not prepared to co-operate in the investigation of her case and the social welfare officer was unable to proceed with the inquiries. She has been advised that to enable her entitlement to unemployment assistance to be determined, she must co-operate with the social welfare officer and she must reveal full details of her means. Her case has been referred again to the social welfare officer to pursue inquiries and when they are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
568.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension. There is no record of receipt of a claim for a living alone allowance from him. The local social welfare officer has been asked to call on him to investigate his entitlement and a decision will be made when the officer's report is received.
569.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been made on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, for unemployment assistance and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £39.55 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £73.90 less means of £34.35 weekly. His means are derived from the capital value of a second home owned by his wife. All arrears due to him were paid on 27 September 1984 and weekly payments of £39.55 continue to be made to him as they become due. He expressed dissatisfaction with the means assessed against him and he was supplied with an appeal application form. When he returns the form his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
570.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a pension book and arrears have been issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who claimed invalidity pension some time ago and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 12 July 1984. The pension book payable from 18 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 12 July 1984 to 17 October 1984 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period will be paid by payable order.
571.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been made on the appeal of an applicant (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £55.60 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £99.80 less means of £44.20 weekly. His means are derived from beneficial occupation of his wife's holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His case will be dealt with at the earliest opportunity and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
572.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if payment of disability benefit, together with all arrears, have yet been made to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 6 August 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 1982-1983, the contribution year governing his claim. Following inquiries it was established that the claimant had 52 contributions in 1982-1983 thus qualifying him for benefit. All benefit has been issued to 22 September 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
573.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a pension book issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has claimed contributory old age pension.
The person concerned reached age 66 on 11 July 1984 and claimed an old age contributory pension on 17 August 1984. He has been awarded the pension at the maximum rate with effect from 13 July 1984. An old age contributory pension book containing orders payable from 5 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly.
The amount of old age contributory pension in respect of the period from 13 July 1984 to 4 October 1984, less the amount of the supplementary welfare allowance paid to him in that period, has been issued direct to him by payable order.
574.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in having a decision made on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries to enable his means to be assessed were completed. He was advised on 19 September 1984 that his means were assessed at £46.40 weekly derived from capital and the value of board and lodging of his brother's holding and as the amount exceeded the maximum weekly rate of unemployment assistance payable to him his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed.
575.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in issuing a decision on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance.
The person concerned failed to furnish sufficient details of his father's holding in which he resided to enable his means to be assessed. He was advised of the necessity to provide the required particulars and when he did not do so his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer will deal with the case at the earliest opportunity and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
576.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit, together with arrears, has been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
Following the completion of inquiries to establish that the person concerned fulfilled the condition of being available for work his claim to unemployment benefit was allowed at the maximum weekly rate of £96.55. All arrears due, less the amount due to be recouped to his local health authority in respect of advances of supplementary welfare allowances paid to him, were paid on 18 September 1984. Further weekly payments at £96.55 will continue to be made as they become due.
577.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been reduced by £15 per week, when the matter will be reviewed and the amount to be paid.
Following a review of the old age non-contributory pension entitlements of the person concerned it was decided on 4 September 1984 that he is only entitled to pension at the weekly rate of £22.60 plus £11.40 adult dependant allowance plus £17.40 dependent child allowance from 8 June 1984, which increased to £25.30 plus £12.75 plus £18.60 from 6 July 1984. 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 capital and income from cattle dealing. However, the person concerned recently appealed against the decision and the matter is accordingly being referred to an appeals officer for decision. He will be notified of the outcome in due course.
578.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded a deserted wife's allowance.
The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. When the inquiries are completed, a decision will be given and she will be notified of the outcome of her claim. This should be within the next week or two.
579.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost of providing children's allowance for children who are still in full-time education, up to the age of 21 years.
There is insufficient data to enable an accurate costing to be provided in the time available. It is tentatively estimated however that the additional cost would be of the order of £6 million a year.
580.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the abolition of the old age pension committees has increased the time necessary to give a decision on a claim for an old age pension.
Following the abolition of the old age pension committees and the transfer of the functions of the committees to deciding officers in the Department, decisions in relation to old age pension claims are now made within a few days of receipt of the report of the social welfare officer in the case. The result is that claims are being dealt with much more speedily than was possible under the previous circumstances.
581.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost of the family income supplement scheme in 1984, and the number of families who will benefit from the scheme in 1984.
It is estimated that the family income supplement scheme will be of benefit to some 35,000 families at a cost to the Exchequer of up to £4.4 million in 1984.
582.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has had his unemployment assistance cut back to £15 per week, the reason for the delay in the investigation of this case which was referred to an appeals officer a considerable time ago; the amount that has been paid; if the matter has been reviewed and if back-payments have been made retrospectively to him.
Following a review of the means of the person concerned he was assessed with means at £57.65 weekly derived from the profit from land with effect from 18 April 1984. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at present at the rate of £21.85 being the maximum long term rate £79.50 less £57.65. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer required clarification of certain aspects of his means and the case was returned to a social welfare officer who is still making extensive inquiries in the matter. It is expected that the investigation will be completed shortly after which the appeals officer will assess the means and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed accordingly.
583.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance book at the correct rate will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
An allowance book containing payment in respect of the claimant's three qualified children at the rate of £36.15 per month was issued to her on 20 September 1984. A payable order for £1.60 in respect of arrears which are also due to the claimant will be issued shortly.
584.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance book at the correct rate will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
An allowance book at £56.25 for July, 1984 and £60.25 from 1 August 1984 in respect of the claimant's five qualified children was issued to her home address on 18 September 1984.
585.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the maximum rate of old age non-contributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following reinvestigation of her means, it has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £41.30 with effect from 6 July 1984. Her current pension book has been recalled and on its return a book at the increased rate will issue without delay, and a payable order covering the arrears due will be issued separately.
586.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a maternity grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
A claim for maternity allowance was received from the person concerned on 21 August 1984. She was entitled to payment under the general maternity scheme for the 12 week period 28 May 1984 to 25 August 1984. She had, however, been in receipt of unemployment benefit up to 10 July 1984 in this period. As maternity and unemployment benefits cannot be paid concurrently, the unemployment benefit from 28 May 1984 to 10 July 1984 was treated as having been paid on account of maternity allowance. She was therefore due the balance of her maternity allowance from 11 July 1984 to 25 August 1984. The necessary adjustments were made and all benefit due on her claim was issued on 5 October 1984.
Authorisation of the maternity allowance claim was delayed because of the necessity to correspond with the employment exchange concerning the duration of her unemployment claim.
587.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid children's allowance for her child which was born on 12 July 1984 and the reason for the delay in granting her same.
There is no trace of the receipt in the Department of a claim for children's allowance from the person concerned. An application form has accordingly been issued to her 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.
588.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid non-contributory old age pension, and the reason for the delay.
It was decided on 28 September 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £17.05 including £5.75 adult dependant allowance from 21 September 1984. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of his occupational pension. The appropriate pension book payable from 5 October 1984 will be issued this week and the arrears due for the period 21 September to 5 October will be issued shortly. The delay in deciding this case was attributable mainly to the need to await information on disposal of capital and confirmation of the amount of the claimant's occupational pension.
589.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when free electricity will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork, and the reason for the delay.
There is no trace either in Department or in the district ESB office of the receipt of an application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned. An application form has, therefore, been issued to him and if he considers that he satisfies the conditions for receipt of the allowance as outlined on the form he should complete it and forward it in the first instance to the ESB for attention. On receipt of the completed application in the Department the matter will be considered further and he will be notified of the outcome.
590.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when free telephone rental will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned, which was received on 16 February 1984, was approved on 2 March 1984. The applicant was notified accordingly on 12 March 1984.
Telecom Eireann was then advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the data on which telephone service is provided.
591.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received children's allowance since last May.
An allowance book payable from July 1984 issued to the person concerned on 25 September 1984. She had already received allowance up to and including June 1984, but due to a clerical error the book payable from July 1984 was not issued at the correct time.
592.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal on unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be decided.
The person concerned expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of means assessed against him and he was recently furnished with an appeal application form. When he returns the form his case will be referred to an appeals officer who will determine his means at the earliest opportunity. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
593.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, who has been out of work since 17 September 1984, and is currently available for work and has fulfilled the conditions for payment of unemployment benefit.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for work and to fulfil this condition the applicant must also be capable of and genuinely seeking employment. From information supplied by the person concerned in connection with her claim a deciding officer concluded that, because of her domestic responsibilities in relation to the care of her young child, she was not available for full-time employment.
594.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have all arrears of a contributory widow's pension paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, which is owed since 10 July 1984.
A payable order for the arrears in question for the period from 11 July 1984 to 20 September 1984 and amounting to £157.96 was sent to the person concerned on 4 October 1984. The actual amount of arrears due to her was £434.50 but a deduction of £276.54 was made in respect of supplementary welfare allowance which the South-Eastern Health Board paid to her during the period in question.
595.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Canada will receive a retirement pension further to a recent application and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned recently submitted a claim for an old age contributory pension. One of the conditions for receipt of this pension requires a claimant to have a yearly average of at least 20 contributions from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from the year in which he entered into insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before he reached pension age.
The Department's social insurance records show no record of Irish insurance in respect of the person concerned since 1942 and, therefore, he does not qualify for an old age contributory pension. Even if a full record of contributions had been paid in respect of him up to April 1957, this would not be sufficient to satisfy the required condition as his yearly average would not have exceeded 6.
A claim for retirement pension which he submitted in 1980 was also disallowed. A yearly average of 24 contributions over a similar period is required for this latter pension.
596.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded a non-contributory widow's pension.
The claim of the person concerned to a non-contributory widow's pension was received on 23 August 1984 and a social welfare officer was required to investigate her circumstances. The officer, when contacted on 9 October 1984, stated that a number of inquiries are necessary to establish her means and investigation is likely to take some time. When his report is received a decision will be given in the case without delay and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
597.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been refused a non-contributory old age pension, the reason his means have been assessed as £73 per week as this is incorrect; when this case will be reinvestigated and when the results of this investigation will be known.
It was decided on 14 September 1984 that the person concerned is not entitled to any pension on the grounds that his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
If the person concerned is dissatisfied with the deciding officer's decision it is open to him to appeal against it.
598.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons being subsidised from his Department under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982, the maximum and minimum subsidies, the cost in 1983, and the costs in 1984.
The following is the latest information available:
—the number of persons in receipt of rent allowance under the powers given in the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 at 6 October 1984 was 1,141;
—the highest weekly rent allowance in payment at that date was £59.56, the lowest was £1.00;
—expenditure on rent allowances in 1983 amounted to £304,783;
—expenditure in 1984 was originally estimated at £2 million. On the basis of present trends however it now appears that total expenditure this year will be in the region of £1.2 million.
599.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of smallholders whose unemployment assistance was increased after an appeal against withdrawal or reduction.
Statistics are not maintained in a way which would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be furnished.
600.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of smallholders in each county from whom unemployment assistance has been withdrawn or reduced since January 1983.
The only statistics available are in respect of smallholders formerly in receipt of unemployment assistance based on a notional means assessment whose means have been reassessed on a factual basis under the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1983, which came into operation in April 1983.
The statistics are not maintained on a county basis but the position for the country as a whole as at 31 August 1984 was as follows:—
|
Number whose payments ceased |
2,491 |
|
Number whose payments reduced |
3,545 |
|
Number whose payments increased |
2,322 |
601.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He ceased signing at his local employment office on 18 September 1984.
602.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
A payable order for arrears of unmarried mother's allowance for the period from 23 February 1984 to 25 April 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the South Eastern Health Board during that time, will be sent to the person concerned within the next few days.
603.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and the length of time it takes from the time a person is widowed to the time they receive the pension.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £128.40 with effect from 17 August 1984, the Friday following her husband's death. This is the maximum rate of contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with seven qualified children.
Pension order books with orders payable from 12 October 1984 were issued to the designated post office on 3 October 1984 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. The arrears of pension for the period from 17 August 1984 to 11 October 1984, less the amounts of supplementary welfare allowance and disability benefit paid to her in the same period, will be issued to her shortly.
Her possible title to a British widow's pension under EEC Regulations will also be examined. Liaison papers have been sent to the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and they will be in touch with her. Generally speaking a widow's contributory pension, based on either the widow's own or her late husband's insurance, is awarded within four weeks of receipt of the claim. Where, however, inquiries have to be made to establish the record position, the period can be somewhat longer depending on the difficulties encountered in securing the information required.
Because of the pressure of work on the Department's investigatory staff in recent times, the processing of non-contributory pensions, in which investigations of widow's financial circumstances are necessary can be somewhat protracted depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the current workload of the staff involved.
604.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at the rate of only £2.60 per week is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois who has no income whatsoever.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £2.90 weekly being the appropriate rate of £31.75 less means of £28.85. His means are derived from the value of board and lodging in the home of his fiancee's mother.
He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £28.85.
He recently applied for a review of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
605.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Invalidity pension is paid to qualified persons who have been in receipt of disability benefit and who are likely to remain permanently incapable of work.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 26 September 1983 and payment has been issued to her to date.
Arrangements are being made to have her examined by a medical referee of the Department in the near future. Her application for invalidity pension will be considered in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
606.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when deserted wife's benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim to deserted wife's benefit of the person concerned which was received on 7 September 1984 has been referred to a local officer of the Department for investigation. When inquiries are completed a decision will be given and she will be notified of the outcome.
607.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the increased unemployment allowance of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin given in February 1984 can be ante-dated to payments made at a lower rate on an intermittent basis since 1981, having regard to the fact that the social welfare paid to the person concerned appears to have been based on the entitlement of a person with two children whereas the subscriber concerned has three children; and if he will confirm that the person is entitled to arrears payments in respect of the period that he was on social welfare from 1981 to February 1984 when he was given the increase stated in his allowance.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from February 1982 and he continued to claim intermittently since that date. He has been paid at the rate appropriate to a married man with three qualified children. He was also entitled to pay-related benefit but his entitlement was affected by the 85 per cent limit which during the period of his first 390 days entitlement amounted to £79.15 weekly. A new period of 390 days entitlement commenced on 30 December 1983 and the 85 per cent limit applicable to him from that date amounted to £88.82 weekly. This is the rate of benefit in payment to him at present. No arrears of benefit are due to him as he has received all flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit to which he is entitled.
608.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is on disability benefit will be allowed benefit for his son.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 14 November 1983 and he was paid at the rate appropriate to a married man with no child dependants. He submitted a claim for an increase in respect of a child dependant on 17 September 1984 and the arrears of benefit payable as a result of this claim were issued to him on 4 October 1984.
609.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be paid.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 9 November 1983. She is not entitled to payment of benefit because according to the Department's records she has not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1981-82 or 1982-83 the contribution years governing her claim. She was asked to supply details of her employment history but has failed to do so.
610.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance was reduced from £29.45 to £13.45 per week in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Following reinvestigation of her unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £18.45 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings in her father's home. She appealed the means assessment and an appeals officer also assessed her means at £18.45 weekly. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £13.30 being the appropriate rate of £31.75 less £18.45.
611.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced from £29.00 to £13.45 per week in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £28 based on nil means until his means were reviewed in January 1984. Following the review his means were increased to £18.45 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings in his father's home. He appealed the means assessment and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £18.45 weekly. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £13.30 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less £18.45.
612.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when free telephone rental will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned has been approved and a notification to this effect has been issued to her. Telecom Eireann has been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided.
613.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for the misunderstanding; and if he will have the matter corrected and all arrears paid to her.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant is available for work and to fulfil this condition a claimant must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking employment.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 16 May 1984 and her claim was disallowed on the grounds that by reason of her domestic circumstances, she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 20 September 1984 but the appeals officer also decided that she was not available for employment from 16 May 1984. She was notified of the decision on 26 September 1984.
She continues to sign the unemployment register and her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 21 September 1984 is at present being reviewed in the light of her availability for employment from that date.
614.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wives allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
One of the conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a husband must have left his wife of his own volition.
The deciding officer held that this condition was not satisfied by the person concerned and disallowed the claim. She appealed against the decision and her case is at present with an appeals officer for determination. When a decision is given she will be notified of the outcome without delay. In the meantime she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Southern Health Board.
615.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when outstanding living alone allowance arrears from 8 June 1983, will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason he has not been paid to date.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension since August 1974. He submitted a claim for a living alone allowance on 29 May 1984 and following an investigation this was awarded to him with effect from 1 June 1984, i.e. the Friday following the receipt of his claim. A supplemetary book containing orders payable from 6 July 1984 was issued to the local post office for collection by him and the arrears payable from 1 June 1984 to 5 July were sent to him by payable order. There are no further arrears payable in this case.
616.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason she is not being granted same.
The person concerned has been awarded a living alone allowance of £3 a week with effect from 17 February 1984, the Friday following her 66th birthday, increased to £3.20 a week from 6 July 1984. An allowance order book with orders payable from 3 August 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period 17 February 1984 to 2 August 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.
617.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reconsider making free electricity, free television and free travel available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is entitled to free travel. A free travel pass was issued to her in 1980 and if she has lost this pass—it has not been withdrawn from her—a replacement pass will be issued on hearing from her.
A free electricity allowance was granted in error to the person concerned in 1982. The allowance was withdrawn in April last as her husband who is residing with her did not come within the excepted categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme. A further application has since been received but as it is clear that the living alone condition is still not satisfied, this application has had to be disallowed. The person concerned is not entitled to a free television licence, which is subject to the same living alone condition.
618.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wives allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay in having it granted.
Two of the conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment are that a husband must have left his wife of his own volition and that she must make reasonable efforts with in the means available to her to prevail on him to contribute to her support and maintenance. The deciding officer held that these conditions were not satisfied in the case of the person concerned. Also she failed to disclose her means and to supply the certificates necessary in connection with her application. Her claim was disallowed accordingly. Official notification of this decision and of her right to appeal against it within 21 days if she is dissatisfied with it was issued to her on 9 October 1984.
619.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension was reduced from £41.30 to £33.30 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will reconsider the position.
Following a review of the old age pension entitlements of the person concerned it was found that there had been an increase in her means consisting of half the weekly value of capital and her husband's pension from the Irish Pensions Trust and accordingly the social welfare officer recommended a reduction in her old age pension to the weekly rate of £33.30. Her old age pension book has been recalled and when this has been returned the matter will be referred to a deciding officer for decision.
If she is not satisfied with the decision it will be open to her to appeal against it. Her husband is in receipt of a contributory pension. Arrangements are being made to allow payment of the increase of this pension for a spouse which is at the rate of £36 a week in lieu of the non-contributory pension.
620.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age contributory pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 27 July 1984. He claimed an old age contributory pension on 6 September 1984 and has been awarded the pension at the maximum rate, including an allowance in respect of his wife, with effect from 27 July 1984.
An old age contributory pension book containing orders payable from 5 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. The arrears of old age contributory pension from 27 July 1984, less amount of disability benefit paid to him from that date, will be issued to him by payable order in the next few days.
621.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a funeral grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned has not yet been decided as it has not proved possible to trace his insurance record. He was requested to supply his insurance number but he omitted to quote this number when replying to the request. He has again been requested to quote the number or details necessary to trace it.
In the reply to the original request, he did, however, state that he had retired on pension from the Army in 1972. It may be, therefore, that he does not satisfy the contribution conditions for receipt of death grant.
In order to qualify, a minimum of 26 contributions, paid or credited, are required in the 1982-83 income tax year. Alternatively, the grant would be payable if the claimant had a yearly average of 26 such contributions from 1970 to 1982-83.
622.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 4 July 1984 and her claim was disallowed from 4 July 1984 to 13 August 1984 on the grounds that she was not available for work. Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that an applicant be available for work and to fulfil this condition the applicant must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking employment. She appealed against the disallowance on 8 September 1984 but she subsequently withdrew her appeal.
She subsequently satisfied a deciding officer that she fulfilled the condition of being available for work from 14 August 1984, and her claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £30.90 flat-rate unemployment benefit and £3.08 pay-related benefit. She was entitled to benefit until 15 September 1984, after which date she ceased to sign as unemployed, and again from 1 October 1984 when she resumed claiming. All arrears due were paid to her last week and combined payments of £33.98 weekly will continue to be made to her as they become due.
623.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, who is not self-employed and has no source of self-employment, cannot get unemployment assistance at the maximum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £53.35 weekly being the maximum rate appropriate to him £62.95 less means of £9.60. His means are derived from self-employment. He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him. Arrangements have been made to refer his case to an appeals officer for determination of his means and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
624.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and when payment will be made.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 17 August 1984 and her claim was allowed at the maximum rate of £37.25 weekly. Due to an oversight at the local office, arising from a misplacement of her claim, payment was delayed. However, arrangements have now been made to issue an order for encashment at her local post office, paying all arrears due this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
625.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in deciding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to discontinue payment of his unemployment assistance; the reasons for the refusal of payment in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him exceeded the statutory limit which in his case is £2,935.40 per annum. His means are derived from fishing and from benefit from his wife's earnings.
He appealed against the disallowance and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case had to be referred again to a social welfare officer for extensive inquiries. These inquiries were recently completed and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit and disallowed his application. He was notified of the decision of the appeals officer on 4 October 1984.
626.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until extensive inquiries, at present being made by a social welfare officer have been completed. It is expected that the investigations will soon be completed after which his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
627.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to reduce his unemployment assistance from £67 per week to £12.95 per week in view of the fact that he is married with seven children and is in poor circumstances.
The claim of the person concerned was reviewed in June this year and he was assessed with means of £92.65 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also determined his means to be £92.65 weekly. He was informed accordingly on 24 September 1984. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £12.95 weekly, being the maximum rate appropriate to him — £105.60 less means of £92.65 continue to be made to him as they become due.
628.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in deciding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision disallowing his claim for unemployment assistance and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him which resulted in the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim. In the light of his contentions made in support of his appeal his case was returned to a social welfare officer for extensive investigations. It is expected that the inquiries will be completed shortly after which his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed.
629.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact that she is signing since 27 July 1984.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 27 July 1984 to 6 September 1984 on the grounds that she left her employment voluntarily without good cause. She has appealed against the disallowance of her claim and arrangements are being made to have her appeal heard at the earliest opportunity.
Her entitlement to unemployment assistance from 7 September 1984 could not be determined until certain inquiries had been made to establish that she fulfilled the conditions of being available for work. Following the recent completion of these inquiries her unemployment assistance claim was allowed from 7 September 1984 at £30.90 weekly.
She ceased to sign as unemployed after 14 September 1984 and she has been written to and asked to call into her local office to collect unemployment assistance arrears due to her.
630.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in deciding upon the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for unemployment benefit or assistance as she is signing since 9 July 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries to establish that she fulfilled the condition of being available for work had been completed. The investigations were recently completed and her claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £30.90 unemployment benefit and £5.29 pay-related benefit and all arrears due have been paid. Further weekly payments of £36.19 will be made as they fall due.
631.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 July 1984 to 25 September 1984, after which date he was certified as fit to resume work. He was not, however, qualified for payment as according to the records of the Department he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1982-83 the contribution year governing his claim.
The Deputy had already indicated that the employer had not paid PRSI contributions on behalf of the claimant in the 1982-83 contribution year. Arrangements have been made for an officer of the Department to investigate the case. On receipt of his report, entitlement to disability benefit will be reviewed.
632.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision on an application for a non-contributory blind pension will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
It was decided on 4 October 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to blind pension at the maximum weekly rate of £89.70 including £19.40 adult dependent allowance and £31.70 dependent child allowance from 22 June, 1984 increasing to £95.95 from 6 July, 1984. The appropriate pension books have been issued and any arrears due will be issued shortly.
633.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been reduced by £6.94 per week to cover money owed to the health board when all arrears due to the health board have already been paid by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit from 10 March 1983 to 3 June 1983 when he was considered to be capable of work following an examination by a medical referee. He again claimed injury benefit from 11 July 1983 and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His appeal against the decision was then referred to an appeals officer and the appeal was allowed.
The net amount payable in adjustment of benefit was £2,593.96. However, the sum of £2,968 was payable to the South Eastern Health Board on account of supplementary welfare allowance advanced. The arrears of benefit were refunded to the health board leaving the sum of £374.04 still outstanding. This amount is now being deducted from the claimant's current disability benefit payments at the rate of £6.94 per week.
634.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason free dental treatment was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is in receipt of an invalidity pension.
The person concerned, who has been in receipt of an invalidity pension since 1977, claimed dental benefit on 11 September 1984. His insurance record showed that he had 6 class A1 contributions paid in respect of the 1982-83 governing contribution year. In order to clarify the position he was requested to furnish details of employment in this year. On receipt of his reply it was established that these contributions were proper to his wife's record and has been entered in error in his record. His claim was then approved and both the claimant and his dentist have been notified.
635.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total amount of disability benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned did not claim disability benefit or unemployment benefit between 5 April 1982 and 5 April 1983, the dates mentioned by the Deputy in the details supplied by him with the question.
636.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
It was decided on 24 September 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £80.80 including £20.75 adult dependant allowance and £8.75 dependent child allowance from 17 August 1984. The appropriate pension books payable from 12 October 1984 have been issued and a payable order for the arrears due for the period 17 August 1984 to 12 October 1984 will be issued in due course.
637.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not yet been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the amount of benefit due and when payment will be made.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 22 May 1984 to 23 June 1984, after which date he was certified as fit to resume work.
Payment of benefit was not, however, authorised as according to the records of the Department he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1982-83, the contribution year governing his claim. He had no contributions paid or credited in that year.
The claimant has indicated that he was employed in Britain for that period and his insurance record has been requested from the British authorities. On receipt of this information his entitlement to disability benefit will be reviewed.
638.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the amount of benefit payable and when payment will be made.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 25 June 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallowance and in connection with his appeal arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 11 October 1984. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
639.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the rate of an old age pension payable to a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been reduced despite the fact that this person notified the Department that their property had been signed over to their family, if he will ensure that the pension is restored to its proper rate, and that all arrears will be paid, the date on which this will be done and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a review of the entitlements of the person concerned in September 1983 it was found that there had been an increase in his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding. On 14 December 1983 following an appeal it was decided by an appeals officer that the pensioner is only entitled to a reduced rate pension of £37 including £12.40 adult dependant allowance from 16 September 1983.
Recent representations from the Deputy have been accepted as an application for an increase in the existing rate of old age pension. The application has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries have been completed, the matter will be decided upon and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course.
640.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons that payment of old age pension to a person, (details supplied) in County Galway has been terminated despite the fact that the social welfare investigating officer recommended a pension for this person and that the person was already in receipt of pension, if he will ensure that the proper pension is paid to this person immediately, the date on which weekly payments and all arrears will be paid, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An application for an increase in the rate of old age pension for the person concerned was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. Payment of an increase was not recommended by the officer as the pensioner's means did not warrant payment of pension at a higher rate.
The investigation had, in fact, revealed that the means of the person concerned, comprising half the weekly value of a holding and other property, had increased and were in excess of the statutory limit for pension. Payment of his pension was, accordingly, disallowed from 31 August 1984. If he is dissatisfied with the decision given on his claim it is open to him to appeal against it.
641.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason injury benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, the weekly amount and the total arrears that will be paid, when these payments will be made, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit in respect of an incapacity resulting from an occupational accident on 8 March 1984. Following completion of investigations injury benefit was awarded from the date of the accident at the rate of £47.90 a week (£51.25 from 5 July). A cheque for £658.07 in payment of injury benefit over and above the disability benefit already paid has been issued.
642.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons that payment of disability benefits has been terminated to a person (details supplied) in County Galway if he will rescind this decision, and the date on which all weekly payments and arrears will be paid and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 17 September 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and in connection with his appeal arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 18 October 1984. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
643.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, the date on which weekly payments and all arrears will be paid and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries to ascertain the reason why he left his employment has been completed. The investigations were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £80.15 and all arrears due were paid on 5 October 1984. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
644.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who had qualified children is not entitled to widow's pension at the maximum rate and if he will re-examine the matter.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £62.65 with effect from 24 August 1984. This is the maximum rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with two qualified children. Her late husband had been in receipt of disability benefit at the weekly rate of £80.15 which included an increase in respect of his wife and this was paid to her for six weeks after his death on 11 July 1984 in place of widow's pension.
A pension order book with orders payable from 28 September 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 21 September 1984 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. A payable order in respect of arrears from 24 August to 27 September 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her in the same period, will be sent to her shortly.
The claimant's possible entitlement to a widow's contributory pension on the basis of her late husband's insurable employment both in this country and in England is being investigated and she will be notified of the outcome when these enquiries are completed. Her title to a British widow's pension under the EEC Regulations will also be examined. Liaison papers have been sent to the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and they will be in touch with her in due course.
645.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons that unemployment assistance at the maximum rate is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, and if this will be rectified immediately, the date on which all arrears and the increase will be paid and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit on 22 August 1984 when he received benefit for 390 days. He was the holder of a qualification certificate with means assessed at £76.90 derived from the profit from his holding. Accordingly payment of unemployment assistance commenced from 23 August 1984 at £28.70 weekly being the maximum rate appropriate to him £105.60 less means £76.90 and weekly payments are made as they become due. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
646.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, the date on which all arrears and a weekly payment will be made and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds, that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. He has not signed on at his local office since 14 August 1984.
647.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that payment of unemployment assistance has been discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, if weekly payments will be restored and arrears issued immediately, the date on which these payments will be made, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from capital and from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit which in his case is £4,916.60 per annum. He appealed against this decision and because of contentions made by him in support of his appeal it was necessary to make extensive inquiries. These inquiries are now complete and his case is being referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
648.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment assistance has been discontinued for a person (details supplied) in County Galway, if payment will be restored to this person, the date on which both weekly and arrears payments will be made to this person, the amounts of each, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim which was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. 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 will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
649.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who has been signing for a long period of time and who is under severe financial pressure, the date on which all payments both weekly and arrears will be made to this person, the amounts to be paid and if he will make a statement on this matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self-employment as a tiler, exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries after which it was submitted to an appeals officer. However, the appeals officer required further information before making a decision and the case has been referred again to the social welfare officer. When these inquiries are completed the case will be resubmitted to the appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officers' decision. He has not signed as unemployed since 15 May 1984.
650.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons that a proper rate of unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who is in severe financial difficulties, if a major increase in the assistance payable weekly will be awarded to this person immediately, the reasons for a delay in making a decision on his case initially, the date on which the increased payment will be made and on which all arrears will be paid and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following the completion of extensive inquiries the means of the person concerned were assessed at £72.50 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. Accordingly he is being paid unemployment assistance at £2.50 weekly being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him £75 less means £72.50. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arrangements are being made to have his case 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.
651.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will restore weekly payments to this person; the amount to be paid; the total arrears that will be paid; the date on which all payments will be made and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £2.90 being the maximum rate payable £31.75 less means £28.85. He recently appealed and the case has been returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
652.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at the correct rate is not being paid weekly to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the date on which a weekly increase will be granted; the amount of the increase; the total amount of arrears to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £25.15 derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings and from capital. His wife ceased employment and following a review of his case he was assessed with means at £0.15 weekly derived from capital only with effect from 23 May 1984.
His rate of unemployment assistance was accordingly increased from £45 weekly to £74.85 and arrears due to him amounting to £491.68 were paid on 25 September 1984. Weekly payments are £74.85 being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable £75 less £0.15 continue to be made to him as they become due.
653.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the date on which payments will be made; the weekly amount and the total arrears to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 8 August 1984 and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into his means. Extensive inquiries are being made in his case and when these are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
654.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway from 12 October 1983 although the applicant's means did not exceed the statutory limits until 28 May 1984; if he will award an immediate weekly payment and arrears to this person; the date on which these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The claim of the person concerned was reviewed on 12 October 1983 and disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit. His case was reviewed again in August this year and again it was found that his means exceeded the statutory limit. His unemployment assistance claim was again disallowed and he was informed accordingly.
655.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the date on which a weekly payment and all arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish full details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He did not cooperate in the investigation of his claim despite a number of visits by the social welfare officer.
He appealed recently at his local office against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and the case will be referred back to the social welfare officer for re-investigation. When the inquiries 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.
656.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware of the exceptional circumstances in this person's case; if he will ensure that these payments are continued weekly; the date on which weekly payments and all arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned failed to attend an interview for employment with AnCO and his unemployment assistance claim was accordingly disallowed from 27 June 1984 to 7 August 1984. He expressed dissatisfaction with the disallowance of his claim and he was furnished with an appeal application form. When he returns this form his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance during the period will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. Payment of unemployment assistance was resumed from 8 August 1984 to 18 September 1984 after which it is understood that he took up employment.
657.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will restore weekly payments to this person; the date on which these payments along with all arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from land and the value of capital exceeded the statutory limit. If he contends that his circumstances have changed since his means were last assessed, it is open to him to apply to have his means reinvestigated. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
658.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who is married with a wife and family and owns no property; if he will now restore this person's assistance to the former figure; the date on which this increase and all arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £38.45 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his mother's holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and the appeals officer in assessing his means took into consideration the net yearly value of his mother's holding which had been undervalued by the deciding officer due to a clerical error when originally assessing means. The appeals officer accordingly assessed him with means at £41.50 weekly and the rate of unemployment assistance payable is £30.75 weekly being the maximum rate appropriate to him £72.25 less £41.50 and weekly payments at this rate continue to be made as they become due.
659.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned did not satisfy the contribution condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit and her case was referred to a social welfare officer to investigate the apparent non payment of contributions by her employer. The investigations were recently completed and her contribution record was established. Her unemployment benefit claim has been allowed at the weekly rate of £30.60 increasing to £32.75 from 5 July 1984 and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week. She ceased signing as unemployed after 25 August 1984.
660.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of applications received in the Eastern Health Board area for assistance towards the cost of children's clothing in August 1983, September 1983, August 1984 and September 1984; and in respect of each month, the number of cases where applications were (a) allowed, and (b) refused.
Statistics are not maintained by the health board in a manner which would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be supplied.
661.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for a non-contributory old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It was decided on 2 July 1984 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 weekly value of a British retirement pension, exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
662.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a free telephone allowance is not being granted to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Both the person concerned and his sister with whom he resides are in receipt of qualifying pensions. Either one of them could therefore qualify for a free telephone rental allowance provided the other is so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
On two occasions he was requested to furnish a comprehensive medical certificate in respect of himself or his sister. This certificate was not furnished and his application for the allowance was therefore rejected. He was notified accordingly on 27 February 1984. If he feels that he satisfies the conditions of the scheme he should submit the necessary certificate as soon as possible. His application will be reviewed in the light of any new medical evidence received.
663.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway against the termination of his unemployment assistance.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £19.70 weekly being the maximum rate payable £72.25 less means £52.55. His means are derived from the profit from his holding. His claim was reviewed in August this year and he was assessed with means of £52.55. He appealed against this decision and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
664.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for a qualification certificate from a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if unemployment assistance will be granted to him.
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 24 September 1984 when he exhausted 390 days benefit. He was issued with an application form on 31 May 1984 to enable him to apply for a qualification certificate before exhausting his title to unemployment benefit but he has not returned it to date. Another application form has been issued to him and when he completes it his case will be referred to a social welfare officer for investigation after which his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
665.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay disability benefit and arrears to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned has only 123 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance. She was paid disability benefit from 5 January 1983 to 3 January 1984 when her 52 week entitlement commenced. Inquiries are being made to establish if more than 123 contributions have been paid on her behalf. In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid.
666.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Two of the conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment are that a husband must have left his wife of his own volition and that she must make reasonable efforts within the means available to her to prevail on him to contribute to the support and maintenance of herself and her children.
The deciding officer held that these conditions were not satisfied in the case of the person concerned and disallowed her claim. She appealed against the decision at the end of May last but through an administrative error the file was not submitted to an appeals officer at the time. This error is much regretted and arrangements have now been made to have the case dealt with by an appeals officer at the earliest possible date. In the event of an oral hearing the claimant will be notified of the date and venue of the hearing. In the meantime she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Southern Health Board.
667.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It was decided on 5 October 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the reduced weekly rate of £39.30 from 14 September 1984. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of earnings from self-employment. The appropriate pension book has been issued and any arrears due will be issued shortly.
668.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been requested to supply further information in connection with his claim for a free telephone rental allowance. When the information is furnished a decision will be given in the case and he will be notified of the outcome.