(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
602.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 12 September 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He was examined on 24 October 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work.
An appeal form has been issued to the claimant and he has been advised to return the form, setting out the grounds of his appeal, if he wishes his case to be referred to an appeals officer for determination.
603.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of invalidity pension will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 27 May 1980 to 20 October 1982 and was transferred to invalidity pension from 21 October 1982.
To determine his continued entitlement to invalidity pension he was examined on 22 August 1984 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. Since the conditions for receipt of invalidity pension were no longer satisfied payment of the pension was discontinued from 6 September 1984. The person concerned appealed this decision and was re-examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. Accordingly, the decision to disallow his pension remains unaltered. The case of the person concerned has now been referred to an appeals officer for determination.
604.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the maximum amount of non-contributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
A routine review of the entitlements of the person concerned revealed that there had been an increase in her means, consisting of the weekly value of an annuity under a deed of transfer. Accordingly, she is only entitled to a pension of £37.30 a week. The pensioner has been requested on two occasions to return her pension book for adjustment to the appropriate rate but to date she has not responded. In the circumstances, a stop notice has been placed on her pension book. When her book has been returned the matter will be referred to a deciding officer for decision and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome.
605.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment benefit or assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied. Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
606.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the result of the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan against disallowance of small holder's unemployment assistance.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the ground that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. There appears to be no record in the Department of an appeal from the person against the decision in his case. He last signed as unemployed on 13 March 1984.
607.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway who is only receiving £11 per week unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £18.15 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding. He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer on 27 April 1984 also assessed means of £18.15 weekly against him. He was informed accordingly. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £11.80 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £18.15.
608.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The claim of the person concerned to unmarried mother's allowance has been reviewed and it has been admitted to payment with effect from 30 June 1983. A payable order for the arrears, less supplementary welfare allowance, will be issued to the claimant at an early date.
609.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding an application for a free telephone rental allowance made by 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 26 September 1984 but was not returned. A second application form was issued to her on 1 November 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.
610.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has forwarded medical certificates from 11 April 1984 to 30 September 1984.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 11 April 1984. However, her claim was not received in the Department until 9 July 1984. The regulations provide that a person who fails to give notice of incapacity or to submit medical evidence within seven days of the commencement of incapacity is disqualified for receiving disability benefit in respect of any period more than seven days before the date on which such notice or medical evidence is received unless there is good cause for the delay. A satisfactory explanation for failure to submit the claim in time was not received and the claim was admitted for payment from 2 July 1984.
There was a delay in issuing payment from 2 July 1984 because of an administrative error. However, all benefit payable has been issued to 25 July 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. If the claimant was unfit for work after that date she should submit medical evidence to cover the period of her incapacity.
611.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
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.
612.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned was previously in receipt of unemployment assistance but when resident in County Donegal his claim was disallowed following an investigation by a social welfare officer on the grounds that he failed to furnish details of his self-employment. He recently applied again for unemployment assistance at the local office in Galway. His case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigations and when these are completed his means will be reviewed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
613.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given on an appeal for smallholder's unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
In the light of contentions made by the person concerned against the assessment of his means at £76.90 weekly, the case was referred to a social welfare officer for further investigations. These inquiries were recently completed and in the light of the outcome a deciding officer reduced the amount of means assessed against him to £13.45 weekly. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £68.40 weekly being the appropriate rate £81.85 less £13.45 and a paying order in respect of all arrears due issued to him for encashment at his local post office on 26 October 1984. Further weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £68.40 will be made as they become due.
614.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received his disability benefit for seven weeks.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 4 September 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He was notified of the disallowance of benefit and of his right to appeal on 6 September 1984 but did not do so.
615.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of women in Limerick city and county in receipt of (a) deserted wives allowance; (b) deserted wives benefit; (c) split-payments (unemployment assistance), and (d) split payments (unemployment benefit).
The information sought by the Deputy is not available as statistics of the social welfare recipients in question are not maintained on a city or county basis.
616.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has been signing on since 11 September and has received no payment.
The previous unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for work. He appealed against the disallowance and an appeals officer also disallowed his claim on the same grounds. He again claimed unemployment assistance on 10 September 1984 and inquiries are being made to establish whether he now fulfils the conditions of being available for work. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the outcome of the investigations.
617.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who is in receipt of a widow's pension.
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.
618.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will confirm that a person (details supplied) in Dublin now widowed with a contributory old age pension will be supplied with fuel vouchers; when this will be done; if there is a delay in having fuel vouchers available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board, who are responsible for the administration of the national fuel scheme in the Dublin area, that an application for a fuel allowance under that scheme has been received from the person concerned. A cheque for £80, covering the first 20 weeks of the heating season, is in course of issue to him. The first issue of fuel allowances under the national fuel scheme in the Eastern Health Board area is being made as in previous years during October and November and it is expected that all payments will be made by the end of November.
619.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of medical evidence supplied by an eminent gynacologist (details supplied), he will now ensure that the lady concerned qualifies for disability benefit since she clearly is not fit for work and has enormous medical and domestic outgoings.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 15 February 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and in connection with her appeal arrangements were made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 26 March 1984 who also considered her to be capable of work.
Her case was then referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer decided that the claimant was not incapable of work during the period 15 February 1984 to 12 July 1984 (the date of the latest medical certificate before him) and is not entitled to be paid benefit in respect of that period. The claimant has continued to submit medical evidence of incapacity and arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 5 November 1984. The medical evidence forwarded by the Deputy has been referred to the medical adviser for consideration. The claimant's entitlement to disability benefit will be reviewed on receipt of the medical referee's report.
620.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an old age pension application lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned claimed an old age contributory pension on 7 September 1984. He has been awarded the pension at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 27 contributions with effect from 5 October 1984, i.e. the Friday after he reached age 66 years. A pension book containing orders valid for payment from 5 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly.
621.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded increased payments.
The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment is with a local officer of the Department for investigation. When the necessary inquiries are completed, a decision will be given as soon as possible and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
622.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a pension book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The old age pension book for the person concerned payable from 5 October 1984, issued in error to Bunclody post office. When this error came to light, the book was recalled and reissued to the pensioner on 24 October 1984. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.
623.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when blind pension payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to a blind pension as he failed to fulfil the statutory condition as to blindness. An examination by an opthalmic surgeon did not support his claim. If his vision should deteriorate, it is open to him to re-apply for pension.
624.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned completed an application for unemployment assistance at his local office on 28 September 1984 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed in the light of the outcome and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
625.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
A payable order for arrears of the allowance for the period from 31 May 1984 to 5 September 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the North-Eastern Health Board during that time, has now been sent to the person concerned.
626.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 19 October 1984 and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Inquiries are still being made and when they are completed her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly. She ceased signing at her local office on 27 October 1984.
627.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of deserted wife's benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
There are no arrears of deserted wife's benefit due to the person concerned. The amount to which she was entitled for the period 19 January to 27 June 1984, viz. £2,009.05, was withheld as a partial offset against (1) a sum of £1,281.85 which she received from the Department as separate payments of the dependants' portions on her husband's unemployment assistance claim, (2) an amount of £869 paid to her as supplementary welfare allowance by the North-Eastern Health Board. A letter fully outlining the position has been sent to the claimant.
628.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has been disallowed to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be fully available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 27 February 1984 and was paid at the appropriate rate. A deciding officer was not satisfied that he continued to fulfil the condition of being available for work and following the completion of inquiries his unemployment benefit claim was disallowed with effect from 10 October 1984. He was notified accordingly.
629.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; 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, capable of and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 18 July 1984. The appeals officer also disallowed her claim and she was notified of the decision. She continued to sign as unemployed and following the completion of inquiries a deciding officer was satisfied that she fulfilled the condition of being available for work with effect from 9 October 1984. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment benefit at £31.75 weekly and all arrears due were paid last week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
630.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as she does not fulfil the statutory condition as to means. Her means, consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's earnings, are in excess of the statutory limit of £44 per week.
631.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be transferred from disability benefit to invalidity pension.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 9 December 1981 and payment is made at regular weekly intervals.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have the person concerned examined by a medical referee on 15 November 1984. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
632.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for disability benefit will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 14 May 1984 to 16 October 1984. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and in this connection arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 14 November 1984. Her entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed when the report of the examination is received.
633.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is a postal applicant and he was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 10 July 1984 after which he ceased to furnish evidence of unemployment. Inquiries made in the case revealed that he was incapacitated by a broken ankle and was not fit for work and accordingly he was not eligible for unemployment assistance after 10 July 1984. He was advised to claim disability benefit but it is understood that he has not done so to date.
634.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision on the appeal submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in relation to his claim for unemployment assistance will be expedited.
The person concerned expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of means assessed against him and he was supplied with an application form for completion to enable his case to be referred to an appeals officer for determination. He has not returned the appeal application form to date. When he does so his case will be submitted 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. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £38.45 weekly being the appropriate rate £54.80 less £16.35 means derived from the value of capital.
637.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 14 October 1981 and payment is being made at regularly weekly intervals. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 19 November 1984. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
638.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when back money which is due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid.
According to the Department's records all arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned in respect of the period 11 April 1984 to 7 August 1984 were paid on 8 August 1984. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £35.50 weekly being the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £19.30 derived from the benefit of old age pension paid to his wife.
639.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a single woman's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned applied for a single woman's allowance on 8 August 1984 and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. Inquiries into her circumstances have not yet been completed but when they are her case will be referred to a deciding officer and her entitlement to single woman's allowance will be determined.
640.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned has been approved and a notification to this effect was issued to him on 1 November 1984. Telecom Éireann will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which the applicant is provided with telephone service.
641.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as she does not fulfill the statutory condition as to means. The assessment of her means consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's Garda pension exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
642.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. She did not make herself available for interview and her claim was treated as being withdrawn. She again claimed unemployment assistance on 20 August 1984 and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. Investigations are still being made in the case but when these are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
643.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made with regard to the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries arising from contentions raised in the appeal. The inquiries were completed and referred to the appeals officer. The appeals officer directed that the applicant be requested to furnish certain documentary evidence in the case and this was made available by the applicant and submitted to the appeals officer. The appeals officer has decided to hold an oral hearing of the case and the hearing will be arranged to take place at the earliest opportunity.
644.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The old age pension book for the person concerned payable from 5 October 1984 issued in error to the wrong post office. When this error came to light on 1 November 1984 a replacement book was immediately issued to the pensioner concerned at her local post office. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.
645.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 20 January 1984 to 28 January 1984 and from 31 January 1984 to 3 March 1984. He was not entitled to benefit initially 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 has now been established that he had sufficient contributions paid and credited in 1982-83 to qualify for benefit. Accordingly, all arrears of disability benefit payable for the period of his claims, less £100 which has been withheld to offset an overpayment of unemployment benefit, has been issued to him.
646.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in relation to his appeal against a reduction in unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £47 weekly derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him on 20 September 1984 and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. His appeal application will be dealt with at the earliest opportunity. He is at present in receipt of £39.75 weekly, the appropriate rate £86.75 less means £47. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
647.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of (a) men and (b) women in receipt of unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance in each of the following areas of County Dublin:
(1) Swords, (2) Donabate, (3) Balbriggan, (4) Skerries, (5) Rush, (6) Lusk, (7) Malahide, (8) Portmarnock, (9) Naul, (10) Garristown, (11) Oldtown, (12) Ballyboughal, (13) Rolestown and (14) St. Margarets.
Following is the information sought by the Deputy:
|
Men |
Women |
Grand Total |
|||||
|
U.A. |
U.B. |
Total |
U.A. |
U.B. |
Total |
Men and Women |
|
|
Swords |
265 |
245 |
510 |
53 |
172 |
225 |
735 |
|
Donabate |
43 |
33 |
76 |
12 |
9 |
21 |
97 |
|
Balbriggan |
152 |
161 |
313 |
27 |
130 |
157 |
470 |
|
Skerries |
130 |
129 |
259 |
16 |
54 |
70 |
329 |
|
Rush |
126 |
71 |
197 |
27 |
40 |
67 |
264 |
|
Lusk |
56 |
26 |
82 |
16 |
40 |
56 |
138 |
|
Malahide |
108 |
126 |
234 |
23 |
76 |
99 |
333 |
|
Portmarnock |
71 |
79 |
150 |
21 |
46 |
67 |
217 |
|
Naul |
13 |
48 |
61 |
5 |
14 |
19 |
80 |
|
Garristown |
9 |
18 |
27 |
— |
4 |
4 |
31 |
|
Oldtown |
3 |
11 |
14 |
4 |
6 |
10 |
24 |
|
Ballyboughal |
12 |
9 |
21 |
— |
— |
— |
21 |
|
Rolestown/Kil- sallaghan |
22 |
11 |
33 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
39 |
|
St. Margarets |
20 |
31 |
51 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
56 |
648.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied in June 1984.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He was informed accordingly. He was provided with two further opportunities of cooperating with the investigating social welfare officer but was not prepared to do so. His unemployment assistance claim is accordingly disallowed.
649.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was refused free transport this year when he has eight children under 18 and was in receipt of free transport last year.
A free travel pass was automatically issued to the person concerned in March 1984 when he was awarded invalidity pension. A second pass was issued to him in May 1984 when he was awarded an old age contributory pension. He returned on request, the pass issued to him as an invalidity pensioner. If he did not receive the second pass or if he has lost it he should apply to the Department for a replacement. A form for this purpose was issued to him on 2 November 1984.
650.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension was refused in the case of a widow (details supplied) in County Wicklow.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as she does not fulfil the statutory condition as to means. Her means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding and capital are in excess of the statutory limit of £44 per week.
651.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 22 October 1984 and was paid from 25 October 1984, fourth day of incapacity, at the maximum single rate, to 31 October 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. The claimant indicated that he is married and he was issued with a claim form on 1 November 1984. On receipt of the completed form his claim will be reviewed.
652.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded unemployment assistance payments; and, if so, when payment will be made.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. The social welfare officer ascertained that the address quoted by the applicant was that of his parent's home and not that of his own residence which was located in a different district. The applicant was accordingly advised that he should in future furnish evidence of unemployment to the local office at Gorey and that he would be visited by a social welfare officer at his home address for the purpose of investigating his means.
The person concerned has, however, continued to sign as unemployed at the local office Enniscorthy and he has again been written to and advised to sign at the local office Gorey. Arrangements have also been made to have him interviewed at his home address at the earliest opportunity after which his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
653.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive an old age pension.
The application of the person concerned for an old age pension is still under investigation by the social welfare officer. He has been unable to get any details of means or of the claimant's late husband's estate from the claimant who is in hospital. One of the claimant's daughters was unable to provide any information and in the circumstances an approach is being made to the second daughter. When the investigations have been completed the matter will be decided on and the pensioner concerned will be notified of the outcome.
654.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application for smallholder's unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance and his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into his means. He was interviewed by the social welfare officer on 29 August 1984. He was asked to submit some documentary evidence of farm accounts and he only complied with this request recently. The social welfare officer will submit his report within the next week and his claim to unemployment assistance will then be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
655.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the effect the implementation of the EEC directive on equal treatment in social security will have on the income of a husband and wife where the husband at present has a contributory pension of £79.05 per week and the wife has an income of £76 nett which is £127 gross per week.
Proposals for the implementation of the EEC 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 in due course in accordance with the new legislation when it is enacted.
656.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who was disallowed a claim for disability benefit nine weeks ago will receive finalised details of his appeal.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 20 August 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 26 September 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of his claim. He will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
657.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £67.45 weekly derived from profit from his land and from capital. He is accordingly in receipt of weekly payments of £12.05 being the appropriate rate £79.05 less means £67.45.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and requested an oral hearing of his case. In the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal application the appeals officer directed that further investigations be made by the social welfare officer to clarify certain aspects of his case. When these inquiries are completed, his 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.
658.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant full unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £11.20 weekly derived from the value of capital. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £11.20 weekly and he was informed accordingly.
He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £68.30 weekly being the appropriate rate £79.50 less means £11.20.
659.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has been signing on every week for the past two months.
The person concerned is not eligible for unemployment assistance as she will not attain the age of 18 years until 14 December 1984. She has been advised accordingly. If she is unemployed on or after 14 December 1984 it is open to her to reapply for unemployment assistance and her entitlement will be determined.
660.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit, flat-rate unemployment benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of a claimant. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 11 September 1984 and she has been requested to furnish details of her income from 6 April 1984 to the date on which her unemployment benefit claim commenced. When she does so the 85 per cent applicable in her case will be calculated and her entitlement to pay-related benefit will be determined accordingly.
In the meantime she is in receipt of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £18.63 weekly, being the appropriate rate to an applicant who is in receipt of a widow's pension.
661.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly was not paid benefit for four weeks prior to 2 October 1984, although he was signing at Trim Labour Exchange, County Meath.
The person concerned is a postal applicant for unemployment assistance and he was paid all assistance due up to 29 August 1984.
Inquiries had to be made to ascertain his correct address and he was written to and asked to call into his local office but did not do so. Following the completion of further inquiries his position was clarified and arrangements are being made to pay all arrears due to him this week. Further payments at £58.70 being the appropriate rate £62.95 less £4.25 will be made as they become due.
He did not furnish evidence of unemployment in respect of the period 12 September 1984 to 29 September 1984. However, he has been written to for the purpose of establishing whether he remained unemployed between these dates and his entitlement to unemployment assistance during the period will be reviewed in the light of his reply.
662.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make arrangements to pay arrears of an old age pension in respect of a deceased person (details supplied) in County Laois to her son.
Arrears of pension in respect of the deceased pensioner are being held at present awaiting details of assets held at the date of death. The late pensioner's solicitors have been requested on two occasions to forward a copy of the schedule as assets but no reply has been received to date. When this information comes to hand the question of paying the arrears will be dealt with.
663.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been paid disability benefit under EEC Regulations.
The person concerned was last insurably employed in the United Kingdom. Under the EEC Regulations on social security the claim for sickness benefit is, therefore, the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Accordingly, the claim and initial medical evidence were transferred to the UK authorities on 15 October 1984. Subsequent medical certificates were transferred to the Department of Health and Social Security on 1 November 1984.
The Department of Health and Social Security has been contacted in the matter and has advised that the claim is still under consideration. The UK authorities have undertaken to finalise the case with all possible speed.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his needs he may be entitled to supplementary welfare allowance, which is subject to a means test. In this regard he should contact his local community welfare officer.
664.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he is married with a wife and five children.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 15 October 1984. He is a landholder and inquiries had to be made to establish whether the profit from his holding exceeded £2 daily as he did not satisfy the contribution condition of 78 paid contributions in a three year period.
The inquiries were recently completed and his unemployment benefit claim was allowed at the rate of £104.75 weekly. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week and further payments will be made as they become due.
665.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the maximum rate of a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Representations from the Deputy received on 1 November 1984, have been accepted as an application for an increase in pension for the person concerned. The matter is being referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the investigations have been completed the case will be decided on and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome.
666.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been granted her pension book for the last six weeks which she is entitled to on behalf of her late husband.
The husband of the person concerned died on 18 September 1983. A payable order equal to the amount of his old age contributory pension for the six week period from 21 September 1984 to 1 November 1984 has been issued to her. She is in receipt of an old age contributory pension in her own right.
667.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of a funeral grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork on behalf of his wife.
The delay in deciding the application for death grant was due to difficulties in obtaining the information necessary to establish his insurance record.
In order to qualify for death grant, the person concerned would have required a minimum yearly average of 26 contributions over the 13 year period 1970 to 1982-83 — a total of 338 contributions in all. According to the records of the Department, he has only 297 such contributions and a death grant is not therefore payable.
668.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To be entitled to a free telephone rental allowance a person must be in receipt of a qualifying pension or allowance. The person concerned is receiving an American pension which does not provide entitlement under the scheme. Her application had therefore to be disallowed and she was notified to this effect on 23 October 1984.
669.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at the maximum rate is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £48 weekly derived from self employment. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer recently also assessed him with means of £48. He is being informed of this decision through his local office.
He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £20.15 weekly, the appropriate rate £68.15 less means £48.
670.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment on medical certificates submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford has not yet been issued.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 July 1983 and payment was made from 8 July 1983, the fourth day of incapacity to 29 September 1984. Because of an administrative error there was a delay in issuing payment from 1 October 1984. This error has now been rectified and all benefit payable to date has been issued.