asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the maximum rate of either disability or unemployment benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
482.
There is no trace in the records of the Department of a claim for disability benefit or unemployment benefit having been received from the person concerned. She last claimed disability benefit in November 1983 and all benefit payable was issued on this claim.
483.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension book has not been given to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
484.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received her widow's pension book and if he will make a statement on the matter.
485.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension book has not been made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 483, 484 and 485 together.
All contributory old age pension books for the six months period which commenced on 5 October 1984 were issued for delivery to the designated post offices in good time. However, books for the three persons concerned and for some others living in the same area, were not delivered to the local post office. Replacement books have been issued in all cases notified to the Department's old age contributory pensions section, including the persons for whom details were supplied by the Deputy. An Post have been asked to investigate the failure to deliver the missing books to the designated post office.
486.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance book will be re-issued to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The claimant's children's allowance book was re-issued to her on 11 October 1984. The book was recalled by the Department to recover an over-payment which had occurred on her claim.
487.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the ground that by failing to furnish details of her means she failed to show that her means did not exceed the statutory limit. She made an appeal against the refusal of unemployment assistance on 3 October 1984 and her case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. Her case will be dealt with at the earliest opportunity.
488.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the over-80 allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
A pension book payable from 5 October 1984 in respect of the increase payable to pensioners over 80 years issued on 12 October 1984. A payable order covering arrears due for the period 8 March 1984 to 28 September 1984 is being issued separately.
489.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in awarding a decision on the free telephone rental application of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
In order to qualify for a free telephone rental allowance an applicant must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
Before a decision can be given in this case it will be necessary to establish the circumstances of the household. A local officer of the Department has therefore been requested to visit the person concerned and furnish a report. When this report is received a decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
490.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in relation to an appeal against the non-payment of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £48.70 being the appropriate rate £88.70 less means £40. He appealed against the means assessment and an appeals officer has recently assessed his means at nil with effect from 27 June 1984. He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum weekly rate of £88.70. All arrears due will be issued by post on 25 October 1984. Weekly payments of £88.70 will continue to be made as they fall due.
491.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason he has recalled for inspection the children's allowance book of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the delay in the matter.
The person concerned was overpaid children's allowance amounting to £180 due to his failure to notify the Department of a change affecting his entitlement. His allowance book was recalled to enable recovery to be effected by deduction at the rate of £12.05 a month from his current entitlement. He was advised accordingly and the appropriate reduced book was issued to him. The over-payment is now being recovered and payment at the rate of £24.10 a month which is the appropriate rate in respect of two qualified children will resume from November 1985. The delay in dealing with the case arose due to increased pressure of work following the annual renewal of children's allowance books.
492.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of old age pension is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will have the matter investigated.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £39.30. 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 capital and his share of a holding. If he feels that his circumstances have changed, it is open to him to apply for an increase in his pension by notifying the Department to that effect.
493.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the over-payment of children's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will agree to a suggestion to take the money back on an instalment basis over a period of 12 months.
The person concerned was overpaid children's allowance amounting to £56.25 because she continued to cash allowance orders in respect of a child over 16 years of age after he left school. Repayment of this sum in instalments as suggested will be accepted.
494.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason contributory old age pensioners have been given forms entitled "Equality of Treatment for Men and Women in Social Welfare Matters"; if the required information will have any effect on existing rates of pensions presently being paid to pensioners; and if the maximum rate for a dependent relative will be altered in any way.
Proposals for the implementation of the EC directive on equal treatment between men and women in matters of social security were outlined in the national plan Building on Reality 1985-1987, paragraph 5.59. Legislation to give effect to the proposals will be introduced shortly in the Dáil.
Subject to the enactment of the legislation all claims involving increases for dependants will fall to be reviewed and the information on the forms referred to by the Deputy is required in order to assist in this review in due course in accordance with the new legislation when it is enacted.
495.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be informed of the outcome of his application for a contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Two of the conditions for receipt of a contributory old age pension require the person concerned to have contributions paid in respect of at least 156 weeks of insurable employment and to have a yearly average of at least 20 reckonable contributions over the period from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from the beginning of the year in which he entered insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age. The insurance record under the number supplied in this case shows that the claimant entered into insurable employment in 1973 and that only 60 contributions were paid in respect of him since that time. He does not, therefore, qualify for old age contributory pension. A copy of his insurance record has been sent to him. He was notified of the decision on 4 May 1984. His entitlement to an old age non-contributory pension was also investigated. He also fails to qualify for this pension as his means exceed the statutory limit.
496.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason deserted wife's benefit was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Cork even though the local social welfare officer recommended payment of the benefit.
One of the conditions for receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a husband must have left his wife of his own volition. It is the function of a deciding officer to make decisions relating to entitlement based on the information available including the reports of the Department's social welfare officer. In this case the deciding officer held that the foregoing condition was not satisfied by the person concerned and disallowed her claim.
The case is being reviewed at present and a social welfare officer will call on the person concerned again at an early date in order to assist in further clarification of the facts surrounding the separation. In the meantime she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Southern Health Board.
497.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork even though he has been signing on for ten weeks.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to co-operate with the social welfare officer regarding disclosing his capital. He appealed the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and was afforded another opportunity to disclose his means. The investigation was recently completed and will be referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. He is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim.
498.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against this assessment and following further investigation by the social welfare officer his means were re-assessed at nil from 20 March 1984. Arrangements have been made to authorise the payment at maximum rate of unemployment assistance £75 from 20 March 1984 and payment of all arrears due less any amount received by way of supplementary welfare allowance will be made this week.
499.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the up-to-date position in relation to the alleged non-payment of PRSI contributions for an employee (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if his Department will ensure that the relevant disability benefit claim will be paid when this is resolved.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 19 April 1983 to 1 June 1983, 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 1981-82 the contribution year governing his claim. He was notified accordingly and on 1 June 1983 was requested to forward details of insurable employment in that year but no reply was received. He subsequently claimed unemployment benefit and indicated that he has been insurably employed for 52 weeks in 1981-82. Arrangements were made for an officer of the Department to investigate the case and on receipt of this report his entitlement to disability benefit from 19 April 1983 to 1 June 1983 and unemployment benefit from 11 July 1983 to 20 November 1983 will be reviewed.
500.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if so, when.
It was decided on 28 September 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £38.60 from 18 May 1984 increasing to £41.30 from 6 July 1984. She was also awarded a living alone allowance at the weekly rate of £3.20 from 7 September 1984. The appropriate pension books and arrears due have issued.
501.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 30 April 1984. He was not qualified for benefit at the commencement of his claim as according to the records of the Department he did not have the necesary contributions paid since entry into insurable employment. He indicated however that he was previously employed in Great Britain and inquiries were made from the British authorities to ascertain his British insurance record.
This record has now come to hand and it shows that he has sufficient contributions paid to qualify him for payment of disability benefit. Accordingly all arrears of benefit payable to 20 October 1984, date of latest medical evidence received less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced is now being issued to him.
502.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has not been possible to trace a benefit claim for the person concerned. If the RSI number can be quoted this would enable the claim to be identified and the information sought by the Deputy to be supplied.
503.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 June 1984 to 28 July 1984. He was not entitled to benefit at the commencement of his claim as according to the records of the Department he had less than the minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1982-83, the contribution year governing his claim.
Following inquiries it was established that he had sufficient contributions paid and credited in 1982-83 to qualify for benefit at the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with five children. A cheque for £741.53 has now been issued to him covering the period of his claim.
504.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance and free television licence will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance to her electricity account from the November—December 1984 billing period onwards. She also qualifies for a free television licence which may be obtained on application at the local post office.
505.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when deserted wife's benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The claim to a deserted wife's payment of the person concerned was disallowed and she appealed against the decision. Following an oral hearing of the case an appeals officer upheld the disallowance. She was notified to this effect on 8 August 1984.
Correspondence received subsequently from her husband was referred to the appeals officer for consideration as to whether it contained any new facts or fresh evidence which would warrant a review of his decision. As a result further inquiries are being made. When they are completed the appeals officer will give the case further consideration and the claimant will be informed of the outcome.
506.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It was decided an 19 October 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £44.50 from 10 August 1984 including £3.20 living alone allowance. The appropriate pension books payable from 5 October 1984 have issued. A payable order covering arrears due for the period 10 August 1984 to 28 September 1984 is being issued separately.
507.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an application for an increase in an old age pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The application of the person concerned for an increase in pension is under investigation at present. It is expected that the social welfare officer's inquiries will be completed shortly and the claim will be forwarded to a deciding officer for decision. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
The delay with this case is due to the fact that details in relation to business and capital have only been provided recently.
508.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to a request for an increase in old age pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The entitlement to the person concerned to a living alone allowance is under investigation at present. It is expected that the social welfare officer's inquiries will be completed shortly and the claim will be forwarded to a deciding officer for decision. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course. The delay in dealing with this case is due to the fact that the pensioner was twice absent when the social welfare officer called.
509.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Galway in connection with his unemployment assistance.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from land and benefit from his wife's earnings exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance on 18 July 1984 and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer requested that the claimant be afforded an opportunity to supply additional information in support of his appeal. No new information was however received and the case has been returned to the appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
510.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for free telephone rental allowance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was approved for a free telephone rental allowance on 14 December 1982 and was notified to this effect on that date. Telecom Éireann will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which he is provided with telephone service.
511.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for free telephone rental allowance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
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 19 July 1982.
Telecom Éireann will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which the applicant is provided with telephone service.
512.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application for free telephone rental allowance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
There is no record in the Department of an application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned. An application form was issued to her on 18 October 1984. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
513.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Galway against the decision to cancel his smallholder's unemployment asistance.
The person concerned was refused unemployment assistance on the grounds that his means derived from his share of the profit from land exceeded the appropriate rate payable to a single man.
The scheduled rates of unemployment assistance increased from 4 July 1984. He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the rate of £1 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £31.75 less means of £30.75, from that date. Payments of £1 weekly are being made as they become due.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him. Arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal it was necessary to refer his case to a social welfare officer for further investigation. Extensive inquiries were necessary and the report was only recently completed. His case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
514.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Galway against the decision to reduce his unemployment assistance.
The person concerned has not to date appealed against the amount of means assessed against him nor has he applied for a reinvestigation of his case. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £9.40 weekly being the appropriate rate £51.70 less means £42.30 derived from the benefit enjoyed from his uncle's holding.
515.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway against the decision in connection with his unemployment assistance.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned payment was disallowed from 11 January 1984 on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from land and capital and the benefit from his wife's old age pension exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the decision on 7 March 1984 and an appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit.
He recently applied for a reinvestigation of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. The assessment of his means will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the investigations and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
516.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an application from a person (details supplied) in County Galway to restore unemployment assistance to him at the maximum rate.
Following reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim by a social welfare officer the means of the person concerned were increased to £24.05 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on his brother's holding.
He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £7.70 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £24.05 and weekly payments are being made to him as they become due. He appealed against the means assessment and the case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed accordingly.
517.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Galway against the reduction of his unemployment assistance.
The person concerned appealed against the means assessment in his case and the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries arising from contentions raised in his appeal.
These inquiries were recently completed and the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly. In the meantime he is in receipt of weekly unemployment assistance at £12.55 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less £19.20 means.
518.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan appealed against the reduction of his smallholders unemployment assistance; when a decision will be made in his case; and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him on 15 June 1984 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 the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
In the meantime weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £41.05 continue to be made to him as they become due.
519.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position with regard to an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned appealed against the assessment of his means and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal, the case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries. These inquiries have recently been completed and arrangements are being made to refer the case to an appeals officer for determination. In the meantime weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £8.50 continue to be made as they fall due. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
520.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date on which fuel vouchers will be issued to post offices; if this represents a delay from the date previously stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Fuel vouchers for the urban fuel scheme have now been issued to all post offices in the Dublin area by Dublin Corporation which is responsible for administrating this scheme in that area. Persons entitled to vouchers in respect of weeks since 5 October 1984 received them in some cases on 19 October and, if not, will receive them on 26 October. Because of work in connection with a review of the scheme earlier this year by the Department there was some delay in initiating the necessary administrative arrangements for the 1984-85 season. The inconvenience caused by the delay is regretted.
521.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 10 September 1984 to 20 October 1984 on the grounds that she left her employment voluntarily without good cause. Subject to her remaining unemployed she is entitled to unemployment benefit at the maximum rate appropriate to her, £37.25 weekly, with effect from 22 October 1984.
522.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan applied for smallholders unemployment assistance; and when a decision will be made.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 30 March 1984, and his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The social welfare officer submitted his report in July this year. The deciding officer assessing the case required further information regarding his means and his case was referred back to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. Extensive inquiries were necessary and were only recently completed.
He has now been assessed with means of £15.35 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He will accordingly be entitled to £14.60 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £15.35. Arrangements are being made to pay all arrears due to him this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
523.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until investigations by the social welfare officer to enable his means to be assessed have been completed. The social welfare officer has made a number of void calls to his address. Arrangements have now been made to interview the claimant and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him. In the mean-tine he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim.
524.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 3 January 1984 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and the appeals officer also decided that she was not available for work. She ceased to sign as unemployed after 6 May 1984.
525.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was approved for a free telephone rental allowance on 8 March 1983. The allowance was subsequently withdrawn on 9 December 1983 as, according to the Department's records, he no longer satisfied the living alone condition of the scheme. If the person concerned feels that he now satisfies the conditions of the scheme he should complete and return the application form which was issued to him on 18 October 1984. On receipt of his application a decision will be given in his case and he will be notified of the outcome.
526.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
In order to qualify for a free telephone rental allowance an applicant must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
The person concerned is residing with his wife who is not from the information furnished, a permanently incapacitated person. Accordingly, a free telephone rental allowance cannot be applied in this case. The applicant was notified to this effect on 24 July 1984.
527.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension at the maximum rate and a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Representations from the Deputy on behalf of the person concerned were accepted as an application for increase in her existing rate of old age pension. The matter has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation and on completion of inquiries a decision will be given and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome.
528.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 20 September 1984. A pension book, payable from 15 November 1984, has been issued to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 20 September 1984 to 14 November 1984 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period will be paid by payable order.
529.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following investigation of his means by a social welfare officer the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £62.90 weekly derived mainly from land. He is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at £0.05 being the appropriate rate £62.95 less means of £62.90. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
530.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a late appeal will be accepted for a person (details supplied) in County Galway who wishes to be paid a higher rate of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £40 weekly being the appropriate rate £54.80 less means of £14.80. His means are derived from a share in the profits from his wife's holding. He was assessed with this means effective from 12 January 1983 and did not appeal until May this year.
The time allowed for appeal had expired but arrangements were made to have his case reviewed. His case is currently with a social welfare officer for investigation and report. The social welfare officer has already made one void call on him and will call again next week when he hopes to complete inquiries. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
531.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when unemployment assistance will be paid to him; and the amount that will be paid.
Following exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit the person concerned applied for unemployment assistance and his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. However, he did not co-operate in the investigation of his claim and his application 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 has not appealed against the assessment and ceased signing as unemployed on 4 September 1984.
532.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given in respect of an appeal against the reduction in unemployment assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
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 rate payable to him.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him in June this year. Arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal it was necessary to refer his case to a social welfare officer for further investigation. Extensive inquiries are being made but it is expected that these will be completed shortly. His claim will then be referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
533.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was reviewed in April this year, and he was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit payable to him.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him, and an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He recently sought a review of his means and his case is currently with a social welfare officer for investigation. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
534.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was refused on appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim of 9 June 1983. Extensive inquiries were necessary arising from the contentions raised in the appeal. An appeals officer following an oral hearing also decided that his means were not fully disclosed and accordingly disallowed his appeal. He was notified of the disallowance on 15 December 1983.
He applied for a review of his means on 11 January 1984 and again it was necessary to carry out inquiries. He has been asked to furnish a statement regarding the sale of fish to a supplier and to date has failed to produce this statement.
When the statement is received the assessment of his means will be reviewed in the light of the report of the investigating social welfare officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed accordingly. In the meantime he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
535.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an old age pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It was decided on 4 September 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £42.40 from 18 May 1984 increasing to £47.65 from 6 July 1984 which includes an adult dependant allowance of £9.75 and an allowance of £18.60 in respect of 2 child dependants. 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 a holding and capital.
The appropriate pension books payable from 6 July 1984 issued on 19 September 1984 and a payable order covering arrears of pension due for the period 18 May 1984 to 29 June 1984 issued on 14 September 1984.
536.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal for an increased rate of old age pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 19 October 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £21.60 which includes a £3 living alone allowance from 13 June 1984 when claimant reached 66 years, increasing to £24.50 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding.
His 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.
537.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £24.45 weekly being the appropriate rate of unemployment assistance £62.95 less means £38.50. His means are derived from the profit from his holding.
There is no record of receipt of an appeal against the amount of means assessed against him. If however he considers that his circumstances have changed since the date on which his means were assessed it is open to him to apply for a reinvestigation of his case. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
538.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned, payment was disallowed from 22 February 1984 on the grounds that 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 the 7 August 1984 an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He was informed accordingly on the 30 August 1984.
539.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him which resulted in the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim. Arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal it was necessary to refer the case to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.
Inquiries are still being made in the case and when they are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
540.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an increase in old age pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Representations from the Deputy on behalf of the person concerned were accepted as an application for increase in her existing rate of old age pension. The case was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries have been completed the matter will be decided on and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course. The social welfare officer is currently awaiting details in relation to capital held in the bank.
541.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a death grant in respect of her husband has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Death grant was introduced on 1 October 1970. One of the conditions necessary to qualify for the grant is that 26 reckonable contributions must have been paid in respect of the deceased or the spouse of the deceased since that date.
The deceased reached pensionable age in 1968 which was before the introduction of the scheme and a death grant is not therefore payable.
542.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an increase in old age pension will be paid to persons (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following a review of the old age non-contributory pension entitlements of the persons concerned, it was found that there had been an increase in their means since the date of last assessment. Accordingly, it was decided on 11 September 1984 that they are only entitled to a pension at the weekly rate of £27.30 each from 27 July 1984. This is the rate to which they are each entitled having regard to the assessment of their means consisting of half the weekly value of capital and their combined British retirement pensions.
Following recent representations from the Deputy stating that the persons concerned were dissatisfied with the decision, forms of appeal were issued to them enabling them to state the grounds of their appeal. On return of the completed forms to this Department their cases will be referred to an appeals officer for decisions and they will be notified of the outcome in due course.
543.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded a non-contributory old age pension.
It was decided on 1 October 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £41.30 from 10 August 1984, the Friday following the date of transfer of her holding and she is not entitled to any pension prior to this as her means, consisting of income from the estimated letting value of land and capital, exceeded the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
The appropriate pension book payable from 5 October 1984 issued on 17 October 1984 and a payable order covering arrears due for the period 10 August 1984 to 4 October 1984 issued on 16 October 1984.
544.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an application form for an invalidity pension will be forwarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if so, if it will be considered favourably.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to date. A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
545.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork for the period March 1983 to September 1983.
In the light of the outcome of further investigations the means assessed against the person concerned during the period 16 March 1983 to 19 September 1983 were reduced to nil.
Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears of unemployment assistance due to him, in respect of the period, this week.
Further weekly payments of unemployment assistance of £72.25 continue to be made to him as they become due.
546.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has been in receipt of disability benefit for the past four years can transfer to invalidity benefit.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 10 March 1980 and payment is made at regular weekly intervals.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have her examined by a medical referee. Her entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
547.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been disallowed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the present position on his appeal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him, £32.60 weekly, exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. His means were derived from the value of board and lodgings on his father's holding.
He recently appealed, at his local office, against this disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and the case was again referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries, arising from contentions raised in his appeal. When these inquiries are completed, the case will be submitted to an appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
548.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will have his living alone allowance which was terminated while his son visited him during an illness restored.
It was decided on 24 August 1984 that the person concerned is not entitled to living alone allowance from 6 April 1984 on the grounds that his son was living with him and accordingly the conditions for receipt of the allowance were not satisfied.
In view of the representations in the matter an application form has been issued to the pensioner which will enable him to claim the living alone allowance. When this has been returned the matter will be investigated and decided on and he will be notified of the outcome in due course.
549.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive her children's allowance book.
An allowance book at the rate of £11.25 per month payable from July 1984 has been issued to the claimant.
550.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 20 August 1984 but his claim was disallowed up to 27 September 1984, on the grounds that he lost his employment through circumstances within his own control. He appealed against the disallowance on 3 September 1984 and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer at the earliest opportunity. His entitlement to unemployment benefit from the commencement of his claim to 27 September 1984 will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. It is understood that he took up employment on 28 September 1984.