asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
517.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 4 May 1984. Payment of benefit was not authorised as according to the records of the Department he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1982-83 contribution year which governed his claim. He had nine paid contributions in that year. He has 52 paid contributions in the 1983-84 contribution year which governs his claim from 7 January 1985. Accordingly he is qualified for payment of benefit from that date and payment has been issued to 26 January 1985 the date of the last medical certificate received. He has been requested to submit details of his employment record to date and when this information is received his claim for the period 4 May 1984 to 5 January 1985 will be reviewed.
518.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
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 was notified accordingly. He ceased to sign as unemployed at his local office after 28 August 1984 and has not been in touch since that date.
519.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied.
Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
520.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of her means she failed to show that her means did not exceed the statutory limit. She is being advised by her local office that if she is dissatisfied with the decision, it is open to her to appeal. A form for this purpose can be obtained at her local office.
521.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for an increase in unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The means of the person concerned were assessed at £25 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parent's home. He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer on 30 January 1985 also assessed him with means of £25 weekly. He has been informed accordingly. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £6.75 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less £25 means continue to be made to him as they become due.
522.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 7 January 1985. He was not entitled to benefit at the commencement of his claim as according to the records of the Department he has less than the minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1983-84 the contribution year governing his claim.
Following inquiries it was established that he had sufficient contributions paid in 1983-84 to qualify for benefit at the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with 2 dependent children. All benefit payable to 28 January 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to him.
523.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin was deemed fit for work.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 27 June 1983 and payment was issued to 23 June 1984.
Payment was disallowed from 25 June 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 25 June 1984 to 3 January 1985 the date of the latest medical certificate before him.
The medical report submitted with the parliamentary question was considered by the Department's medical adviser who expressed the opinion that it did not alter the position in regard to the medical evidence already to hand in the case.
524.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned did not satisfy the contribution conditions for unemployment benefit and his unemployment benefit claim was disallowed. He claimed unemployment assistance on 11 December 1984 and his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The social welfare officer has made a number of void calls to his home address but he has failed to make himself available for interview. When an interview can be arranged, his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
525.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was referred to a social welfare officer on 20 December 1984 for investigation of his means.
It is expected that the inquiries will be completed shortly after which his case will be referred to a deciding officer for the assessment of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against him.
526.
(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 on 3 December 1984 when he returned to this country from Great Britain. He was the holder of a qualification certificate with means assessed at £0.75. Accordingly his unemployment assistance claim was allowed at £29.20 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £0.75 and weekly payments are being made to him since the date on which his claim commenced.
527.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied approximately 15 weeks ago; and if he will have the matter dealt with urgently.
To be entitled to unemployment assistance an applicant must be the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must fulfil certain conditions which include an assessment of his means.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He was not prepared to co-operate in the investigation of his case and the social welfare officer was unable to proceed with the inquiries. The person was advised accordingly.
On indication from him that he wishes to proceed with his claim, the case will again be referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means, and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
528.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied for unemployment assistance five weeks ago has not been informed of any decision.
The entitlement of the person concerned could not be determined until inquiries to enable his means to be assessed had been completed. He was recently assessed with means of £49.85 weekly derived from the value of capital and from a company pension. He is accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £4.95 weekly, the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £49.85, effective from 20 December 1984.
All arrears due to him will be paid this week and payments of £4.95 weekly will continue to be made as they become due.
529.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied approximately 25 weeks ago for unemployment assistance has not been paid.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 10 September 1984 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He failed to co-operate in the investigation of his case and was not prepared to disclose details of his means to the social welfare officer. He was advised that his means could not be determined unless he co-operated in the investigation and he was asked if he was willing to disclose his means in the event of a further investigation by a social welfare officer. In the absence of a reply his application for a qualification certificate was subsequently 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 on 13 December 1984 and he is being given a further opportunity of co-operating in the investigation of his means before his case is referred to an appeals officer for determination.
530.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been paid a living alone allowance; and if he will arrange to have the allowance granted to him.
The person concerned has been in receipt of retirement pension from 1 March 1984. There is no record of receipt of a claim for a living alone allowance from him. The local social welfare officer has been asked to investigate his entitlement to the allowance and a decision will be made when the officer's report is received.
531.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; in view of the fact that she has no means.
The claim of the person concerned for a widow's non-contributory pension was disallowed because she was not prepared to disclose details about her bank account to a social welfare officer and therefore it was not possible to determine her entitlement to pension. She has been notified accordingly. If and when she is willing to supply the necessary information she should notify the Department and her case will be re-investigated and a decision given without delay.
532.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have his old age pension book returned to him; and the reason for the delay.
The old age contributory pension book of the person concerned was received in the Department on 7 February 1985 with a notification of a change of address. The book was reissued on 8 February 1985 bearing the pensioner's new address.
533.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will issue in the appeal for unemployment assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Following the completion of additional inquiries by a social welfare officer the appeal of the person concerned against the amount of means assessed against him for unemployment assistance purposes was referred to an appeals officer who also assessed him with means at £36.20 weekly. He was notified accordingly on 4 February 1985. Weekly payments at £50.55 being the appropriate long term rate £86.75 less £36.20 means continue to be made as they become due.
534.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal will be carried out for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has applied for unemployment benefit.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of her unemployment benefit claim on 25 January 1985 and arrangements are being made to hold an oral hearing of her case at the earliest opportunity. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
535.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been paid disability benefit since 31 December 1984; and the reason she was not paid the retrospective payments due to her.
The person concerned became incapacitated from 19 August 1983. Notice of her incapacity was not received in the Department until 17 October 1984.
Where there is good cause for delay in giving notice of incapacity payment may be allowed for a maximum of six months prior to the date on which notification of illness was received in the Department.
Payment was made to the claimant from 17 April 1984, six months before receipt of the medical evidence of incapacity. Payment has now been made to 21 January 1985. The regularity of her payments is being upset by the frequency of the receipt of medical evidence and a letter is being issued to her to advise her of the correct procedure in this regard.
536.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who is an old age pensioner.
The person concerned who is in receipt of a widow's contributory pension has been awarded a living alone allowance of £3.20 per week with effect from 23 November 1984, the Friday following the date of receipt of her claim.
An allowance book with orders payable from 30 November 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 6 February 1985 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 23 to 29 November 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.
537.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a married woman (details supplied) in County Wexford is receiving the correct rate of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit.
The person concerned, who is a married woman, made a claim to unemployment benefit on 23 July 1984. Weekly payments of £49.81 being £32.75 unemployment benefit (the appropriate rate in her case) plus £17.06 pay-related benefit were made until she exhausted entitlement to the higher rate of pay-related benefit on 22 January 1985. The pay-related element was accordingly reduced to £13.65 from 23 January 1985 giving a total weekly payment of £46.30 from that date.
538.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive increased payments of unemployment assistance in view of the fact that they cannot survive on their present level of income.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £15.70 weekly the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £39.10 derived from the profit from his holding and from capital. He recently requested a review 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 inquiries and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
539.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance payments will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £29.20 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on her mother's farm and from capital. She appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and arising out of contentions made by her in support of her appeal her case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.
When these inquiries were completed her case was submitted to an appeals officer, who assessed her with means of £28.35 from 5 October 1984. Accordingly, she is entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £3.40 the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £28.35. All unemployment assistance due to her has been paid and weekly payments at £3.40 will continue to be made as they become due.
540.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will supply details of occupational injury benefit payments made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork during February, July and August 1984.
The person concerned was paid injury benefit in respect of periods of incapacity from 1 February 1984 to 27 February 1984 and from 27 June 1984 to 10 July 1984 arising from an accident at work on 11 January 1984. He was paid injury benefit at a weekly rate of £47.90 until entitlement to that benefit ceased on 10 July 1984 as injury benefit is only payable within the period of 26 weeks from the date of the accident. He was also paid pay-related benefit at a weekly rate of £46 for the period 22 February (nineteenth day of incapacity) to 27 February 1984.
Subsequent to 10 July 1984 the person concerned was paid disability benefit at a weekly rate of £37.25 until 13 August 1984 when he was certified as fit to resume work. From 18 July (the nineteenth day of the second period of incapacity) he was also paid pay-related benefit at a rate of £44.25 a week.
541.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid up to date to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
All disability benefit payable from 11 June 1984, the fourth day of incapacity, to 10 January 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to the person concerned. There was a delay, because of an administrative error, in issuing payment for the period 28 December 1984 to 10 January 1985. Payment for this period was issued on 21 January 1985.
542.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a claim for occupational injuries benefit for the period 16 November 1984 to 3 January 1985 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 19 November 1984 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an occupational accident on 14 November. Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis from 19 November and pay-related benefit from 6 December.
Following confirmation of details of the accident, injury benefit was awarded from 15 November, the first day of incapacity, to 3 January 1985 after which he was certified fit to resume work. Injury benefit over and above the disability benefit already paid was issued on 29 January.
543.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for an early decision in an appeal for a higher rate of widow's pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The appeal of the person concerned against the rate of widow's non-contributory pension awarded to her was received on 21 January 1985 and her case has been sent to an appeals officer for determination. It is expected that a decision will be given at an early date.
544.
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.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £10.75 being the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £19.20. His means are derived from the value of board and lodgings on his mother's holding. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.
When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination of his means and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
545.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application for a free telephone rental allowance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway who along with his wife is in receipt of an old age pension.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment 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 in receipt of a qualifying pension and resides with his wife. For him to qualify for the allowance, therefore, his wife would have to be permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. The applicant was requested to furnish a comprehensive medical certificate in respect of his wife on 7 June 1984. No such certificate was received in the Department and the application was rejected on 31 October 1984. The applicant was notified to this effect on 8 November 1984.
546.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made regarding a contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Cavan.
The records of the Department show that the person concerned will not reach retirement pension age of 65 until 21 February 1986. His date of birth was stated to have been 21 February 1921 when he entered into insurance in March 1960. He has already been advised that he should send a completed retirement pension claim form to the Department three months before he reaches age 65. A claim form can be obtained at any post office.
547.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was not paid during a period in 1983 to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan while benefit was paid to other persons (details supplied) who were engaged in similar employment.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have at least 26 contributions at the appropriate rate paid or credited in the governing contribution year. The first person mentioned by the Deputy had her claim disallowed on the grounds that she had insufficient contributions paid at the appropriate class during the relevant year.
She appealed against this decision and an appeals officer also decided on 30 July 1984 that her employment was not insurable at a class of contribution which provided cover against unemployment and she was notified of this decision on 16 August 1984. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the appeals officer's decision on 26 November 1984 and requested that the decision in the case be reconsidered by the appeals officer. However, the appeals officer was of the opinion that there was no new evidence to hand to warrant a revision of his original decision and she was notified acordingly on 28 January 1985.
Payment of unemployment benefit was allowed in respect of the second and third person mentioned in the details supplied on the grounds that at the date of their claims their contribution records indicated that they had sufficient contributions at a class providing cover against unemployment. However, the class of contribution payable in respect of these two persons is at present under reinvestigation and in the light of the outcome it will be determined whether unemployment benefit was properly payable in their recent claims.
548.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that her means, derived from intestacy share of holding and benefit of board and lodgings on her mother's holding, exceeded the statutory limit. She appealed against this decision and an appeals officer assessed her with means of £28 weekly. She is accordingly entitled to £1.95 weekly the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £28. All arrears due to her for the period 3 July 1984 to 4 September 1984, after which date she ceased to sign as unemployed, will be paid this week.
549.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 11 June 1984 but she was not qualified for payment as she has no contributions paid or credited for 1982-83, the contribution year governing her claim from that date. From 7 January 1985 her claim is governed by the 1983-84 contribution year. However, she has not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited on her behalf in 1983-84. The Department's records show only nine contributions recorded on her behalf in that year. She has been requested to furnish details of any additional employment she might have had.
550.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him £80 weekly exceeded the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. His means are derived from self-employment as a boat builder. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.
When these inquiries have been completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination of his means and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. In the meantime he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his appeal.
551.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the basis of calculation of the social welfare weekly payments being made to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if an upward review of these weekly payments is being examined having regard to the level of his earnings during the period of his employment.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £37.25 which is the maximum rate appropriate to him as a single person. His entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is based on his average reckonable earnings during the income tax period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 and according to records at the Department his average weekly earnings during the period were £63.18. He is accordingly entitled to pay-related benefit at £5.05 weekly which is calculated at the rate of 25 per cent of the difference between £63.18 and the floor figure of £43. Combined weekly payments of £42.30 continue to be made to him as they become due.
552.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a pension book will be reissued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
At the request of the person concerned an agent was appointed to collect the old age contributory pension on his behalf and the pension book was re-issued on 28 January 1985.
553.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a free electricity allowance.
To be eligible for a free electricity allowance a person must either be living alone or be living with certain categories of persons only. An application for the allowance has been received from the person concerned but it has been found necessary to make further inquiries to ascertain if the living alone condition is satisfied in his case. When these are completed, his entitlement to the allowance will be determined and he will be notified of the outcome in due course.
554.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.
The person concerned is a landholder and an applicant for unemployment benefit. He does not however satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in the three year period governing his claim. Accordingly his entitlement to unemployment benefit cannot be determined until inquiries to establish whether the profit from his holding exceeds the amount of £2 daily. His case is at present being investigated by a social welfare officer and when the inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome.
555.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of fuel vouchers issued in each community care area in the years 1982-83, 1983-84 and 1984-85 to date.
It is assumed that the question refers to fuel allowances under the national fuel scheme. Fuel vouchers are not generally used by the health boards, who administer the national fuel scheme, and the general practice is for the allowance to be paid by cheque in two or three instalments during the heating season. The number of cheque issues varies as between the different health boards and it is not possible to give precise information in the form requested. However, the following table gives in so far as the dates are available to the Department, the total number of recipients of fuel allowances for each area for the years involved.
|
Community Care Area |
No. of Recipients |
||
|
1982/83 |
1983/84 |
1984/85 to date |
|
|
Dublin (all areas) |
17,838 |
20,898 |
N/A |
|
Kildare |
2,462 |
2,194 |
N/A |
|
Wicklow |
2,700 |
2,285 |
N/A |
|
Eastern Health Board Total |
23,000 |
25,377 |
N/A |
|
Offaly |
1,547 |
1,650 |
1,668 |
|
Westmeath |
1,414 |
1,478 |
1,498 |
|
Longford |
839 |
867 |
806 |
|
Laois |
1,793 |
1,826 |
2,028 |
|
Midland Health Board Total |
5,593 |
5,821 |
6,000 |
|
Limerick |
2,829 |
3,169 |
2,984 |
|
Tipperary N R |
2,372 |
1,738 |
N/A |
|
Clare |
2,174 |
2,138 |
2,007 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board Total |
7,375 |
7,045 |
4,991 |
|
Louth |
2,704 |
2,960 |
N/A |
|
Cavan |
1,747 |
1,651 |
1,695 |
|
Meath |
3,061 |
3,429 |
3,550 |
|
Monaghan |
893 |
829 |
794 |
|
North Eastern Health Board Total |
8,405 |
8,869 |
6,039 |
|
Donegal |
6,142 |
6,233 |
6,155 |
|
Leitrim |
1,701 |
1,717 |
N/A |
|
Sligo |
2,066 |
2,123 |
2,148 |
|
North Western Health Board Total |
9,909 |
10,073 |
8,303 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,616 |
2,354 |
N/A |
|
Carlow |
1,221 |
1,231 |
N/A |
|
Wexford |
3,749 |
4,029 |
3,892 |
|
Tipperary S R |
2,945 |
3,106 |
N/A |
|
Waterford |
2,742 |
3,193 |
2,425 |
|
South Eastern Health Board Total |
13,273 |
13,913 |
6,317 |
|
Cork North Lee |
3,190 |
3,029 |
N/A |
|
Cork South Lee |
2,314 |
2,232 |
N/A |
|
Cork North |
2,627 |
2,461 |
N/A |
|
Cork West |
1,937 |
2,001 |
2,081 |
|
Kerry |
6,280 |
6,505 |
6,763 |
|
Southern Health Board Total |
16,348 |
16,228 |
8,844 |
|
Galway |
4,368 |
4,720 |
N/A |
|
Mayo |
4,110 |
4,152 |
4,040 |
|
Roscommon |
1,432 |
1,549 |
1,622 |
|
Western Health Board Total |
9,910 |
10,421 |
5,662 |
|
Total |
93,813 |
97,747 |
46,156 |
556.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £30.90 derived from self employment. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £45.60 weekly the appropriate rate £76.50 less £30.90. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination of his means and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
557.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 10 January 1985 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 7 January 1985. Pending the completion of investigations he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis. Following confirmation of details of the accident, injury benefit was allowed from the date of the accident. Injury benefit over and above the disability benefit paid in respect of the period to 4 February 1985 was issued, including pay-related benefit from 29 January 1985, the nineteenth day of incapacity. There is no trace of receipt of any recent claim for unemployment benefit from him.
558.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is fully eligible.
The application of the person concerned for a contributory old age pension was rejected on the grounds that she does not have the required number of insurance contributions. The Department's records show that she was last in insurable employment in 1942. She is at present in receipt of an adult dependant's allowance on her husband's old age contributory pension. When her claim for old age non-contributory pension was being investigated by a social welfare officer on 11 October 1984 the person concerned stated that she did not wish to proceed with the claim. If she now wishes to have her claim investigated she should notify the Department to that effect.
559.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be sanctioned for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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 him on 7 February 1985. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department an early decision will be given in his case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
560.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of social welfare benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
As conveyed to the Deputy on 24 October 1984, in a written reply to a previous question from him about this matter, a payable order for the arrears in question, covering the period from 22 July 1983 to 16 August 1984, was sent to the person concerned on 28 August 1984. The arrears due to her amounted to £3,517.05 and from this was deducted a sum of £2,777.70 paid to her as supplementary welfare allowance by the South-Eastern Health Board, leaving a balance of £739.35. The payable order for this amount was cashed in early September 1984. There are no further arrears due in this case. If payment was not made to the claimant on foot of this payable order she should inform the Department immediately.
She is at present in receipt of widow's contributory pension at the rate of £65.55 per week. This is the rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years of age with two qualified children and whose yearly average number of insurance contributions is in the range 24 to 29. For pension at the maximum rate (in her case £67.90) an average of at least 48 is required. The claimant's average of 24 contributions is based on her own insurance record arising from her employment in the years 1965 to 1975 during which she had a total of 387 contributions. The number of years over which the average must be calculated however is 16, i.e. from her entry into insurance (1965) up to the year prior to her husband's death (1980-81).
561.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned wrote to the Department on 3 January 1985 saying that his old age contributory pension book had been burned in error. A replacement book containing orders payable from 4 January 1985 was issued to him. An Post have been asked to confirm the date on which he last received pension prior to 4 January 1985 and the amount due will be paid when this is done.
562.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 4 November 1983. He is not qualified for benefit as regulations provide that where a claimant has no contributions paid or credited for any two consecutive contribution years preceding his claim, he cannot qualify for payment of disability benefit, or the award of credited contributions in respect of periods of incapacity for work, until he has a further 26 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions have been paid. According to the records of the Department, the person concerned had no contributions paid or credited in the years 1969 to 1976 and has not had any insurable employment since that time.
563.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. These inquiries which were extensive were recently completed by the social welfare officer. The case is at present in postal transit to a deciding officer for assessment of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
564.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when full unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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. The RSI number quoted refers to a person with a different name and address. Further inquiries in the matter will be made, if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
565.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means of £36 weekly exceeded the rate payable to him. His means were derived from self-employment as a painter. He appealed against this decision and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were completed recently and a deciding officer, in a revised decision assessed him with means of £23.05 weekly derived from self-employment. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £8.70 weekly, the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £23.05, effective from 3 December 1984. All arrears due to him will be paid this week and weekly payments of £8.70 will continue to be made as they become due.
566.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when social welfare benefits will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who applied two and a half years ago.
The appeal of the person concerned against the refusal of her claim to a deserted wife's payment was recently allowed and as a consequence she was awarded the maximum rate of deserted wife's benefit for herself and four children, with effect from 28 October 1982. An order book payable from 31 January 1985 was issued to the designated post office on 26 January for collection by the claimant and she was notified accordingly. A payable order for the arrears from 28 October 1982 to 30 January 1985 less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that time by the South-Eastern Health Board, will be sent to her shortly.
567.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as her husband died on 15 December 1984.
The person concerned claimed a widow's pension on 21 December 1984. Her late husband had been in receipt of old age non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £86.30 which included an increase in respect of his wife and three children and payment of this pension was continued to her for six weeks after his death.
One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of widow's contributory pension is that there must be at least 156 contribution weeks of insurable employment, for which the appropriate contributions have been paid, between the date of entry into insurance and the date the husband died or reached pension age. This condition is not satisfied on the late husband's insurance record to hand at present. However further inquiries are being made to see if a more comprehensive insurance record exists in this case. A social welfare officer has also been asked to investigate and report on whether the widow might be entitled to a non-contributory pension. When these inquiries are completed decisions on both aspects of the claim will be given and she will be notified of the outcome.
568.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
A person who exhausts his entitlement to unemployment benefit can requalify for benefit once he has a further 13 weeks of insurable employment with contributions paid at the appropriate class which provides cover against unemployment. Counted for this purpose are any weeks of insurable employment after 156 days benefit have been drawn by a person who then works intermittently while drawing the remaining days of benefit.
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 25 April 1984. His entitlement to unemployment benefit after that date cannot be determined until inquiries, which are being made at present, to establish the appropriate class of contribution paid and the number of contribution weeks in respect of intermittent employment which he engaged in since he obtained 156 days of unemployment benefit have been completed. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined. In the meantime payment of unemployment assistance at £31.75 weekly continue to be made to him.
569.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the pensions of persons (details supplied) in County Clare were reduced by £2 each; and the details taken into account when calculating their income and expenditure.
Following an examination of the old age pension entitlements of the persons concerned it was found that their means had increased since the date of the last assessment. It was decided by an appeals officer that they are each entitled to a pension at the weekly rate of £36.60 which increased to £39.30 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate to which they are each entitled having regard to the assessment of their means at £6.23 weekly consisting of half the weekly value of a holding (£5.77) and capital (£0.46). Their gross income is derived from capital of £1,259.60 and income of £1.000 per annum from the beneficial occupation of a holding. Expenditure of £400 per annum is allowed in respect of expenses incurred on the holding.
570.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to free telephone rental allowance.
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 him on 7 February 1985. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department an early decision will be given in his case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
571.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks. According to the records of the Department the person concerned has only 57 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance. She exhausted her 52 week entitlement to disability benefit on 16 November 1984. However, because of an error, payment continued to issue up to 14 December 1984 resulting in an overpayment of £122.40.
In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid.
572.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be transferred from disability benefit to invalidity pension.
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 her and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
573.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork for an old age pension.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned is with the social welfare officer for investigation. It is hoped to have his inquiries in the case completed shortly. When his report is received a decision will be given and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
574.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be transferred to invalidity pension.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 31 August 1983 and payment is being 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. The person concerned was examined in November last by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work and asked to have him referred for a further examination after six months. The question of entitlement to invalidity pension will be considered after that examination.
575.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate as a matter of urgency how an award of £11.85 unemployment assistance was made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has no assets at present and whose redundancy payment from Verolme Cork Dockyard in July 1983, totalling £4,000 was completely spent in reconstructing his house.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £18.20 weekly the appropriate rate £56.45 less means of £38.25. His means are derived from the value of capital. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
576.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 has been cut off disability benefit although she is still under doctor's care for dermatitis; the reason this person is also being denied unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned originally claimed occupational injury benefit and was paid for the maximum period of 26 weeks from 13 June 1983 to 10 December 1983. Her claim was then transferred to disability benefit from 12 December 1983.
Where a claimant has less than 156 contributions paid at the appropriate rate since entry into insurable employment, payment of disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks. According to the records of the Department the person concerned has a total of only 52 such contributions. Her entitlement to disability benefit, therefore, was exhausted on 8 December 1984. However, because of an administrative error payment of benefit was discontinued after 13 June 1984. The matter has now been rectified and all disability benefit payable from 14 June 1984 to 8 December 1984, less supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the Eastern Health Board during this period, was issued to her on 8 February 1985.
In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which appropriate contributions are paid.
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.
577.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment assistance will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. These inquiries, which were extensive, were recently completed by the social welfare officer and the case is at present in postal transit to a deciding officer for assessment of her means. Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against her.
578.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of applications for the family income supplement received at the end of December 1984, in the Dublin area.
579.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of persons in receipt of the family income supplement at the end of December 1984, in the Dublin area.
580.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total amount paid out in family income supplement benefit up to the end of December 1984, in the Dublin area.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 578, 579 and 580 together. Approximately 1,250 applications for family income supplement had been received from persons in Dublin city and county on 31 December 1984, of which 171 had been granted by that date. The value of the supplements granted in respect of the period 6 September 1984 to 31 December 1984 was approximately £16,700.
581.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is still attending vocational school is entitled to children's allowance; and, if so, if he will have the allowance granted to him.
Children's allowance was paid in respect of the child in question up to June 1984 in accordance with certification of school attendance furnished in respect of him. In the light of the information furnished by the Deputy the claimant has been requested to furnish further evidence of school attendance and when this is received, entitlement to children's allowance for the period up to September 1984, when the child reached age 18 years, will be considered. The claimant will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
582.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when deserted wife's benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's benefit at the maximum rate with effect from 25 October 1984. An order book payable from 7 February 1985 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. A payable order for arrears from 25 October 1984 to 6 February 1985, less payments of supplementary welfare allowance and the dependant's portions of her husband's unemployment benefit made to her during that time, will be sent to her shortly.
583.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 2 November 1984 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He refused to co-operate in the investigation of his claim. He was advised on the 28 January 1985 that to enable his entitlement to unemployment assistance to be determined, he must co-operate with the social welfare officer and he must reveal full details of his means. However he failed to do so and his application was refused by a deciding officer on the 7 February 1985. He has been informed of this decision through his local office.
584.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether it is intended to introduce a system of insurance contributions payable by self-employed persons in order to ensure that they will qualify for disability or unemployment benefit should their circumstances change.
The extension of social insurance to the self-employed was discussed in detail in a Green Paper published in 1978. It is likely that any developments in this area will involve coverage for contributory pensions only, at least in the initial stages. Indeed, provision for the extension of social insurance pensions coverage to the self-employed is a priority in drawing up a framework for a national pension plan, which the Government intend to publish this year. The question of extending other benefits to the self-employed will be considered in the light of any recommendations the Commission on Social Welfare might make on this issue.
In the meantime, it is open to self-employed persons who become unemployed or are incapable of work through disability to apply for unemployment assistance from the Department of Social Welfare, or disabled person's maintenance allowance from the health boards, as appropriate, if their financial circumstances warrant it.
585.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for social Welfare whether a person paying J1 class insurance contributions can qualify for payment of unemployment or disability benefit; and, if not, the benefits, if any, which are accrued from such contributions.
A person whose employment is insurable at the class J1 rate of contribution is not entitled to payment of unemployment or disability benefit on the basis of such contributions. The class J contribution, which is payable mainly by employed persons over 66 years of age and by persons whose employment is of a subsidiary nature or of inconsiderable pational injuries benefits and services under the Health Acts.
586.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment assistance will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 21 August 1984 by an appeals officer on the grounds that by failing to disclose details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He requested a review of his means recently and following investigation by a social welfare officer his claim was again disallowed on the grounds that he failed to disclose full details of his means. He has been informed accordingly.