asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
723.
An applicant for unemployment benefit who is a landholder but does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 contributions paid in a three year period is not entitled to unemployment benefit unless the income from his holding is less than £2 daily.
The person concerned does not satisfy the condition of having 78 paid contributions in the three year period but his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries to ascertain whether the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily. His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
724.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who is in receipt of a social assistance allowance from his Department as an unmarried mother with one child, has not received allowance in respect of the child since September 1984, even though this child is in full time education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Unmarried mother's allowance has now been restored to the person concerned with effect from 4 October 1984, the date of termination. An allowance book with orders payable from 6 December 1984 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
Arrears for the period 4 October 1984 to 5 December 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that time, will be sent direct to the claimant shortly by a payable order. Through an error the claimant was not sent the appropriate form for completion where a child over 18 years and under 21 years continues in full time education. This omission was corrected immediately it was discovered and everything is now in order.
725.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying an increase of pension which is due to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he is aware that this pensioner was notified on 11 September 1984 that an increase of £23.10 weekly was granted to her from 26 July 1984; and if he will make arrangements to have all moneys due paid forthwith.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to a prescribed relative allowance at the weekly rate of £23.10 from 26 July 1984. The appropriate pension book payable from 5 October 1984 issued on 7 December 1984 and a payable order covering the arrears due for the period 27 July to 28 September 1984 issued on 10 December 1984. The delay in this case is due to an administrative error. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.
726.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal for unemployment assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be heard; and the reason for the delay in this case.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed for various dates during 1982 and 1983 on the grounds that he was concurrently signing as unemployed and working on those dates. His qualification certificate was also revoked on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and the revocation of his qualification certificate, and his case was referred to an appeals officer on 11 September 1984. The appeals officer will deal with the case at the earliest opportunity.
728.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is committed to extending dental and optical benefits to the wives of insured workers; and, if so, the reason no provision was made for this in the national economic and social plan, 1984, Building on Reality; and the estimated cost of this in the current year.
It is estimated that the cost of extending the dental and optical benefit schemes to the wives of insured workers in the current financial year would have been of the order of £5.6 million. Due to the critical state of the public finances, resources are not available for extending the scheme at the present time; hence it was not included in the national plan, Building on Reality 1985-1987. It is, however a proposal which is being kept in mind for consideration in the context of priorities generally when financial circumstances permit.
729.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the maximum rate of unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who had his unemployment assistance reduced under the small farmers' scheme some months ago.
Following a reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £61.55 weekly, derived from land. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £44.05 weekly, being the appropriate rate £105.60 less £61.55 means. He appealed against the assessment of his means and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred again to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were recently completed and his case has been referred to the appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
730.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £34.50 with effect from 3 August 1984. This is the rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age without any qualified children and whose weekly means exceed £10 but do not exceed £12. Her means derived from a farm holding were assessed at £11.53 a week.
A pension book with orders payable from 5 October 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 28 November 1984 for collection by her. Arrears of pension for the period from 3 August 1984 to 4 October 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order. Her late husband had been in receipt of disability benefit at the weekly rate of £57.35 which included an increase in respect of his wife and this amount was paid to the claimant for six weeks after his death on 17 June 1984, in place of widow's pension.
731.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment assistance and all arrears due paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry before Christmas.
The person concerned is a postal applicant for unemployment benefit from 19 November 1984. Following the completion of inquiries to establish his contribution record his claim was allowed at the weekly rate £70.25. An order for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears due was issued to him last week and further payments will be made as they become due.
732.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will direct his Department to restore an old age pension to its former rate in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reasons that it was reduced; if he will pay arrears on the increased figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension only at the weekly rate of £13.15 from 10 December 1982 which includes £2.70 living alone allowance. This rate increased to £17.60 from 1 July 1983 and £20.50 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding, capital the disposal of which was not accepted for old age pension purposes, and income from the sale of a portion of land.
Representations received in July 1984 were accepted as an application for an increase in his existing rate of old age pension. The application has been partially investigated to date. The social welfare officer is still awaiting details regarding the sale of land which has not yet come to hand. When this information becomes available the matter will be referred to a deciding officer for decision and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
733.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the reduction of £10 per week in the unemployment assistance due to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick, when this person has given full evidence of all his means and contends that his Department officials are in error in their assessment of his case.
The person concerned was originally assessed with means of £8.94 weekly derived from the value of capital. He was accordingly in receipt of £72.20 weekly the appropriate rate £81.15 less means £8.95. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer on 29 November 1984 reduced his means to £1.15 weekly effective from 1 October 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £80 weekly the appropriate rate £81.15 less means of £1.15 from 1 October 1984. All arrears due to him will be paid this week and payments of £80 will continue to be made as they become due.
734.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will arrange for payment of all arrears due before Christmas.
The person concerned submitted an application for continuation of children's allowance on 7 September 1984, in respect of his son. Children's allowance was awarded in respect of this child from July 1984 and the appropriate allowance book payable from that date has now been issued to his home address.
735.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance arrears will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will arrange to have this matter finalised urgently in view of this person's poor financial circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £3.45 weekly, effective from 11 January 1984, on 7 December 1984. His means were derived from self-employment as a fisherman. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £66.70 weekly the appropriate rate £70.15 weekly less means £3.45 for the period 11 January 1984 to 3 July 1984 and £71.55 the appropriate rate £75 less means £3.45 from 4 July 1984. He was, however, in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his claim and the amount which he received will be recouped to his local health board from arrears of unemployment assistance due to him. All arrears due will be paid to him this week and weekly payments of £71.55 will continue to be made as they become due.
736.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of old age pension and disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 6 October 1983. He did not claim old age contributory pension until 2 April 1984 although he was advised to do so when his disability benefit claim was terminated on his reaching age 66. He was awarded the pension at the maximum rate with effect from 6 January 1984, i.e. three months prior to his date of claim. This is the maximum period for which a claim can be back-dated unless there is good cause for the delay in applying.
A pension book containing orders payable from 11 May 1984 was issued on 3 May 1984 and arrears amounting to £1,320.20 for the period from 6 January 1984 to 10 May were sent to him by payable order on 21 June 1984. There are no further arrears of old age contributory pension or disability benefit due to him.
737.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been made on an appeal lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in relation to his claim for disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 27 February 1984. Payment was disallowed from 31 May 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 22 August 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. He continued to submit medical certificates up to 27 August 1984 and an appeal form was forwarded to him on that date. This form was not returned to the Department and the appeal was accordingly withdrawn on 7 November 1984. During the period 18 June 1984 to 1 September 1984 he also claimed unemployment benefit. His claim was disallowed on the grounds that, on his own admission, he was not available for work.
738.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 7 are entitled to backpayment of social assistance for the period November 1983 to February 1984.
The persons concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 21 November 1983. Their claims were disallowed on the ground that they had insufficient contributions paid at the appropriate rate to provide cover against unemployment. They were advised to apply for unemployment assistance on 21 November 1983, they declined to do so at the time.
The first person named by the Deputy subsequently claimed unemployment assistance on 2 July 1984 and following investigation of her means her claim was allowed from that date at the weekly rate applicable in her case of £30.90. The second person named by the Deputy claimed unemployment assistance from 4 November 1984 and her case has been referred to a social welfare officer for determination of means. The two applicants have requested that their means be assessed with effect from 21 November 1983 and the social welfare officer is making additional inquiries in this connection. When these inquiries are completed the effective date of their assessments of means will be determined by a deciding officer and any arrears of unemployment assistance due will be paid.
739.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of the appeal of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for a more adequate rent allowance as the person is 74 years old and her rent was increased to £15 per week.
The appeal in this case, which was received on 26 November 1984, has been referred to an appeals officer for determination and the decision will be conveyed to the appellant as soon as possible.
740.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is now entitled to part payments of her husband's unemployment benefit as she was awarded £54 per week on 14 September 1984 in the family law courts when her husband was working.
The husband of the person named by the Deputy in the details supplied claimed unemployment benefit and was paid at the personal rate pending the completion of inquiries to establish whether he was entitled to an increase for dependants. Following the completion of inquiries a deciding officer was of the opinion that his wife was not a dependant of his and accordingly disallowed his application for an increase in his unemployment benefit in respect of his wife. The deciding officer did however allow an increase in respect of the three qualified children and arrangements have been made to make a separate payment to the applicant's wife in respect of the amount of his weekly unemployment benefit appropriate to the three children.
741.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment, received on 30 October 1984, is at present with a local officer of the Department for investigation. When inquiries are completed and a report on the case received a decision will be given and the claimant will be notified.
742.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Persons in receipt of unemployment benefit are advised by their local offices to apply for qualification certificates some three months prior to the date of exhaustion of their unemployment benefit claim to enable their entitlements to unemployment assistance to be processed before the dates of termination of unemployment benefit entitlement.
Investigations made in the case of the person concerned reveal that notification to him to apply for a qualification certificate was inadvertly overlooked when the local office was dealing with a substantial increase in the number of persons claiming as unemployed during the month of August 1984. However the inquiries about his means were recently completed by a social welfare officer and he was assessed with nil means. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £64.60 weekly and the weekly payment commenced this week. He was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance application and when the amount to be recouped to his local health board is known the balance of any arrears of unemployment assistance due will be paid.
743.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork at an early date as he is obviously unfit for work.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 26 November 1984, following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and in connection with his appeal arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 18 December 1984. His entitlement to further payment of benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
744.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the arrears due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork on her portion of her husband's invalidity pension will issue.
A payable order for the amount due will be forwarded to the person concerned on 12 December 1984.
745.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give a comprehensive statement on the reason for refusing an unemployment benefit appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Laois in view of the fact that she provided evidence of her availability for work; and if he will now give approval to the application.
To satisfy the statutory conditions for unemployment benefit an applicant must fulfil the contribution conditions and must satisfy the condition of being available for work.
When the person concerned lodged a claim for unemployment benefit a deciding officer was not satisfied that she fulfilled the condition of being available for work and disallowed her claim. She appealed against the disallowance and her case was referred to an appeals officer. An oral hearing of her case at which she attended and gave evidence on her own behalf took place on 19 November 1984, following which the appeals officer also decided that she did not fulfil the condition of being available for work and disallowed her unemployment benefit claim.
Apart from the disallowance of her unemployment benefit claim on the grounds that she was not available for work the person concerned is not qualified for benefit on the basis of her contribution record. Inquiries revealed that she has no Irish contribution record and having been last employed in Great Britain she is not eligible for a transfer of her British contribution record under EC Provision for the purposes of determining her entitlement to unemployment benefit.
746.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for payment of the maximum rate of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
An appeals officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £4 weekly derived from the profit from a holding. The amount of means is deducted from the appropriate rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £45.65 weekly being the long term rate appropriate to a widower with two qualified children — £49.65 less £4.
747.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will grant an increase in the old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he was only granted £12.60 even though he has no other income.
It was decided on 20 August 1984 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £25.60 from 9 December 1983, which includes a living alone allowance of £3, and £28.50 from 6 July 1984, including a living alone allowance of £3.20. These are the rates of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of capital and a holding. Payment of all pension due to date has been made. If the pensioner's circumstances have changed in the meantime, it is open to him to apply for an increase in his existing rate of old age pension by notifying the Department to that effect.
748.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the appeal for an increase in unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance of £7.25 per week being the appropriate rate £59.40 less means of £52.15 per week previously assessed against him. He applied for a review of his means and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation. Inquiries are still being made in the matter and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
749.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £117.35 with effect from 21 December 1984. This is the maximum rate of contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with six qualified children. A pension book with orders payable from 21 December 1984 was sent to the designated post office on 4 December 1984 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.
Her late husband had been in receipt of invalidity pension at £124.90 per week which included increases for his wife and six children. This pension is being paid to his widow for six weeks after his death on 6 November 1984 in place of widow's pension.
750.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a reduced amount of non-contributory old age pension has been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if his case be re-investigated with a view to having the maximum rate of pension paid.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £35.30 from 7 December 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. The appropriate pension book payable from 7 December 1984 has issued. It is open to the person concerned, if he is not satisfied with the decision, to appeal against it.
751.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in relation to unemployment assistance or benefit.
The unemployment assistance 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 appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim. His case has again been referred to a social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity of cooperating in the investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his case will be referred to the appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of his decision.
752.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
758.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 752 and 758 together as the persons concerned are a married couple.
It has been decided that the husband is not entitled to an old age pension on the ground that he failed to satisfy the statutory conditions as to means. His means consisting of half the weekly value of capital and a holding exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. His wife has not applied for old age pension and will not, in any event, attain pension age until 14 November 1994.
753.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a prescribed relative's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £44.30 which includes an over-eighty allowance of £3. According to the records of this Department there has been no application for prescribed relative allowance received from the pensioner to date.
In the circumstances an application form which will enable the person concerned to claim the allowance has been issued and on its return to the Department the matter will be referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When his investigations have been completed the matter will be decided on and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome.
754.
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 disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his farm exceeded the statutory limit.
He applied for a review of the means assessed against him and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Protracted inquiries were recently completed by the social welfare officer and the case papers are at present in postal transit to a deciding officer at headquarters for a reassessment of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
755.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an increase in a non-contributory old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Representations received from the Deputy at the end of October have been accepted as a claim for an increase in old age pension on behalf of the person concerned. The claim has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. On completion of inquiries the claim will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
756.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in having a living alone allowance paid to a non-contributory old age pensioner (details supplied) in County Waterford.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to a living alone allowance at the weekly rate of £3.20 from 12 October 1984, the date of application for the allowance. The appropriate pension book payable from 12 October 1984 issued on 5 December 1984. The delay in dealing with this case arose due to pressure of work in the social welfare station concerned.
757.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in respect of her application for a deserted wife's allowance.
The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. The inquiries are somewhat protracted in this case but are being pursued with all possible speed. As soon as they are completed and the officer's report is received, a decision will be given on the case and the claimant notified. Meanwhile she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the North Western Health Board.
759.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed the case but an appeals officer also assessed him with means in excess of the statutory limit and he was notified accordingly on 30 August 1984.
He did, however, apply for a review of the assessment of his means on 21 September 1984 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further investigations. Following the completion of these inquiries, he was assessed with means at £57.65 weekly derived from the profit from his land. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £29.10 being the appropriate rate £86.75 less £57.65 means and all arrears due were issued to him on 29 November 1984. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
760.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit payments will be reconsidered for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the recent appeal lodged.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 25 July 1984, but following the completion of inquiries 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 6 December 1984. The appeals officer allowed her appeal from 21 November 1984 only. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due at the earliest opportunity. Further weekly payments of £32.75 will continue as they become due.
761.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reconsidered for an invalidity pension; and if an application form can be forwarded to him and considered favourably thereafter.
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.
762.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
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.
763.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be increased to the maximum amount in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate as he was assessed with means at £17.75 weekly. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed him with means at £17.75 and he was notified accordingly. He is at present in receipt of weekly unemployment assistance at £14 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less £17.75 means.
764.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid in full to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will be entitled to unemployment benefit from 1 January 1985.
The unemployment assistance assessed with means of £28.65 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging on her mother's holding. She is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £1.30 weekly the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £28.65. She recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and arrangements are being made to have her case determined by an appeals officer. Subject to her being unemployed she will qualify for unemployment benefit from 7 January 1985 on the basis of her contribution record during the contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984.
765.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware of this man's responsibilities and commitments; the method and figures used in assessing this man's income; if he will direct his Department to make an immediate payment both weekly and arrears to this person; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
The means of the person concerned were assessed on the basis of a gross income of £13,810 per annum derived by him from his holding. He was allowed £5,764 per annum in respect of expenses incurred by him in earning his income and accordingly he was deemed to enjoy a profit of £8,046 per annum. His means accordingly exceeded the statutory limit and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed him with means in excess of the statutory limit and disallowed his unemployment assistance claim. He was notified accordingly.
766.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons a children's allowance was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, despite the fact that his Department was notified that this allowance should have been continued for this child who is in full time education, if he will now direct his Department to pay all arrears due for this child; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Due to a clerical error children's allowance in respect of the child in question was not included in the claimant's renewal book payable from July 1984.
The matter came to light on 12 September 1984 when the claimant submitted a claim for continuation of allowance in respect of this child. The appropriate allowance book was issued to his home address on 4 October 1984. In view of the Deputy's question the claimant will be contacted to see if he received the book and when his reply is received any necessary action will be taken without delay.
767.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons an old age pension has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware of this person's circumstances and responsibilities; if he will direct his Department to restore this pension to the former figure; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is only entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £56.05 from 24 August 1984, which includes an adult dependant allowance of £18.75. 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.
768.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid social assistance; if he is aware of the person's circumstances; if he will now direct his Department to make an immediate payment of this allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The amount of earnings of the person concerned was erroneously read as weekly wages instead of monthly wages and her application for single woman's allowance was disallowed on the grounds that her means derived from earnings and the value of board and lodgings on her brother's holding exceeded the maximum rate of single woman's allowance appropriate to her.
The error was recently rectified and a deciding officer reviewed his original decision and assessed her with means at £27.67 weekly derived from earnings and the value of board and lodgings on her brother's holding. She is accordingly entitled to single woman's allowance at £7.35 with effect from 22 November 1984 and arrangements are being made to issue her with an allowance book this week. If she is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed by the deciding officer in his revised assessment of her means, it is open to her to appeal and to have her means determined by an appeals officer.
769.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons the full rate of pension is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the system used and the figures arrived at in assessing this man's income; if he will now direct his Department to grant this person the full amount of pension; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an increase in his old age pension. He is at present in receipt of pension at the weekly rate of £25.30 which is the rate proper to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding (£12.50) and capital (£8.52). His total means are assessed at £21.02 per week. The transfer of the pensioner's holding in 1982 was not accepted for pension purposes as he is still considered to be in full beneficial occupation of the holding. If the pensioner's circumstances have deteriorated since the last assessment it is open to him to apply for an increase in pension by notifying the Department to that effect.
770.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons a living alone allowance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will direct his Department to make an immediate payment of this allowance; the date that this payment will be made and all arrears paid; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
The living alone allowance which had been in payment to the person concerned since June 1983 was terminated in May 1984 following a reinvestigation of the case by a social welfare officer who reported that her son was living with her. She reapplied for the allowance on 5 September last and following a further investigation it was established that she is once more living entirely alone.
The living alone allowance has therefore been restored to her at the weekly rate of £3.20 with effect from 7 September 1984, the Friday following the receipt of her renewed claim. An allowance book with orders payable from 5 October 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 23 November 1984 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 7 September 1984 to 4 October 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.
771.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the reasons unemployment assistance payable to a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been reduced; the system and figures arrived at in assessing this man's income; if he is aware of his serious situation; if he will now direct his Department to restore this assistance to its former figure; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £37.90 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from capital. The profit from his holding was calculated on the basis of a gross income of £2,760 per annum less £810 per annum by way of expenses incurred in earning that income. Accordingly he was deemed to enjoy a profit of £1,950 per annum from his holding. His capital amounted to £418.40 and was calculated in accordance with statutory provisions at £21.84 per annum. On the basis of a total annual income of £1,971.84 his weekly means were calculated at £37.90 by dividing his total income by 52. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and on 16 October 1984 an appeals officer reduced the assessment of his means to £34. Accordingly he is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £52.75 weekly being the appropriate rate £86.75 less £34 means.
772.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has been seriously injured and is unfit for work and who has no income whatever of any type; if he will direct that immediate payment be made; the weekly amount and the total amount of arrears to be paid; and the date on which these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit in respect of the period from 30 January 1984 to 9 June 1984. He was not qualified for payment because he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1982-83 governing contribution year. Credited contributions were, however, allowed to him in respect of the period for which the medical evidence was received.
According to the records of the Department, he had only 13 contributions in the 1982-83 contribution year. He was requested on 24 February 1984 and 20 July 1984 to forward details of his employment record in the 1982-83 year but he has not done so to date. A further request for this information was issued to him on 7 December 1984.
If he has been incapable of work again, he should forward medical evidence to this effect and he should continue to do so at weekly intervals while his incapacity continues. Should he still be incapable of work as of 7 January 1985, he will commence to be qualified for payment at the rate appropriate to a record of 32 contributions in the 1983-84 contribution year. He has also been asked to confirm this record.
773.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will outline the system and figures used and arrived at to determine this man's income; if he will now direct his Department to restore this man's weekly assistance to the former figure; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £19.45 weekly being the appropriate rate £86.75 less £67.30 means. His means were derived from the profit from his land.
He appealed against the means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. In the time available it is not possible to recall the case papers to furnish the Deputy with the system and figures used to assess means in the case. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
774.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a decision on a claim for a non-contributory widow's pension from a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £14.50 with effect from 14 September 1984. This is the rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age without any qualified children and whose weekly means exceed £30 but do not exceed £32. Her means derived from a two-third share in the profits from a holding were assessed at £30.76 per week.
A pension book with orders payable from 5 October 1984 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 14 September 1984 to 4 October 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order. Her late husband had been in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension which included an increase in respect of his wife and this was paid to the widow for six weeks after his death on 27 July 1984.
775.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The means of the person concerned were assessed at £20.65 weekly derived from the benefit of his wife's old age pension. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer reduced his means to £10.65 weekly effective from 20 August 1984.
He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £41.05 weekly being the appropriate rate £51.70 less means £10.65. He was however in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his appeal and the amount which he received was recouped to his local health board from arrears of unemployment assistance due to him. He has accordingly received all unemployment assistance to which he is entitled and weekly payments of £41.05 continue to be made as they become due.
776.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received a replacement invalidity pension book.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 1 October 1984 and was awarded an old age contributory pension at the maximum rate with effect from 5 October 1984. He was already in receipt of invalidity pension and this continued in payment up to 28 November 1984.
An old age contributory pension book containing orders payable from 30 November 1984 was issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he was notified accordingly. Arrears of pension for the period from 5 October 1984, less the amount of invalidity pension paid to him since that date, have been issued to him by payable order.
777.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will explain the delay in dealing with the application for a non-contributory old age pension of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is now 68 years of age.
The person concerned claimed old age pension on 17 July 1984. His claim is with the social welfare officer who expects to complete investigation of the case within the next few days. When the social welfare officer's report is received, a decision on the claim will be given by a deciding officer as soon as possible and the applicant will be notified of the outcome. The delay in investigating this case was caused by the pressure of work in the social welfare station concerned.
778.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be awarded an old age pension; if it will be backdated; and if it will cover his over-payment of disability benefit.
A claim for old age contributory pension was received from the person concerned on 15 October 1984. He reached age 66 years on 18 December 1983 and was paid disability benefit to 27 August 1984. The disability benefit claim has been treated as if it had been a claim for old age contributory pension and he has been awarded the pension at maximum rate with effect from 23 December 1983.
A pension book containing orders payable from 7 December 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. Arrears of pension for the period 23 December 1983 to 6 December 1984, less the amount of disability benefit and supplementary welfare paid to him in that period, will be issued to him in the next few days.