asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a claim for unemployment assistance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as he applied at Roscrea Exchange in December 1984.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
501.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 24 December 1984 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. It is expected that these inquiries will be completed shortly and his case will be submitted to a deciding officer for assessment of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against him.
502.
(Limerick-West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an application for a family income supplement was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The claim of the person concerned for family income supplement was disallowed on the ground that his weekly income as stated on the claim form exceeds £125, the maximum amount for entitlement to a supplement in the case of a person with three qualified children. He was notified of the decision and of his right of appeal against it.
503.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a prisoner's wife allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
A payable order for the arrears in question, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the North Eastern Health Board, was sent to the person concerned on 21 February 1985.
504.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been granted free electricity; and if he will review his position.
To be eligible for a free electricity allowance a person must either be living alone or be living with certain categories of persons only. A free electricity allowance cannot be granted to the person concerned as two of his daughters reside with him who are not persons who come within these categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme.
505.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been paid all children's allowance due in respect of the child in question up to and including March 1985, when he reaches the age limit of 18 years. The allowance is not payable for persons over 18 years of age.
506.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given in relation to an application for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He was notified accordingly on 20 February 1985.
507.
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.
The entitlement to unemployment assistance of the person concerned could not be determined until investigations by the social welfare officer to enable her means to be assessed had been completed. The social welfare officer made a number of void calls to her home address before being able to interview her and inquiries in the matter were only recently completed.
Arrangements are being made to have her claim referred to a deciding officer for assessment of her means and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against her.
508.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, as a result of the proposed transfer of Baldoyle, Howth, Sutton, Sutton Park and Bayside to County Dublin from the city of Dublin, widows residing in these areas will lose their automatic entitlement under the free fuel scheme.
The implications for the fuel scheme will be considered in the event of any alterations to the boundary between Dublin city and county but as the proposal for such alterations is at an early stage, it is not yet possible to indicate what decisions will be made.
509.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan in respect of the period from May 1984 to September 1984.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 1 June 1984.
He was not entitled to benefit at the time of his claim as according to the records of the Department he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment.
Details of his employment record were subsequently received in the Department confirming that he has sufficient contributions paid to qualify for payment of benefit at a reduced rate.
All benefit payable from 5 June 1984, fourth day of incapacity, to 3 October 1984, after which date he was certified fit to resume work, has now been issued to the person concerned.
510.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in awarding 11 weeks occupational injury benefit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 following an injury which he received in work due to the fact that he was assaulted by a man under the influence of drink
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 5 March 1984 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an alleged accident at work on 2 March. Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident, he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis from 8 March 1984, the fourth day of incapacity, and pay-related benefit from 26 March to 4 June after which he resumed work.
Preliminary inquiries made from his employers failed to confirm that the accident was an occupational accident. Following further investigations which confirmed the occupational accident, injury benefit was allowed from the date of the accident. Injury benefit over and above the disability benefit paid has been issued.
511.
(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 11 February 1985 and his claim has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
512.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment assistance will be paid to persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the payments that the family are entitled to in this regard.
The person concerned has been claiming unemployment assistance since 1981 and he is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £72.25 weekly being the appropriate long term rate payable to a married man with two qualified children with nil means assessed against him.
He was not entitled to payment of unemployment assistance on 31 January 1985 as he was attending hospital and did not fulfil the condition of being capable of work on that day. Accordingly the payment of £60.25 received by him represented unemployment assistance for five days only following which the full weekly payment of £72.25 was resumed as payments became due. The question of his possible entitlement to disability benefit in respect of the day of incapacity for work is being further investigated.
513.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who will be unable to work again and is in receipt of disability benefit will be awarded an 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 him and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
514.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a claim for a single woman's allowance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was awarded a single woman's allowance at the weekly rate of £13.35 with effect from 8 August 1984. The rate of single woman's allowance payable to her is based on the assessment on her means at £22.80 weekly derived from her capital and the benefit of free board and lodging on her brother's holding. All arrears due were paid to her on 10 January 1985 and she collects her allowance at her local post office as weekly payments become due.
515.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid at the correct rate to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who made a claim during July and August 1984; and if he will be granted arrears of payment.
The person concerned submitted a claim to disability benefit from 12 July 1984 and payment was issued from 16 July 1984, fourth day of incapacity, to 30 July 1984 after which date he was certified fit to resume work. He was paid the weekly rate of £70.25, the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with one child dependant.
It was later established that he was absent from work through illness from 2 July 1984 to 27 July 1984 inclusive and the arrears of benefit payable to the person concerned have now been issued.
516.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider granting a full old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that he is over 90 years of age and is in need of constant attention.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £18.30 which includes an over-80 allowance of £3. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of his British naval pension and capital.
His entitlement is at present under review by the social welfare officer. If there is any significant change in his circumstances which will affect his current rate of pension, the matter will be referred for decision and he will be notified of the outcome in due course.
517.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to the application for a family income supplement made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when a decision will be made on the case.
The person concerned was awarded a family income supplement at the weekly rate of £10.25 from 6 September 1984. The appropriate order book was issued to the designated post office on 6 February 1985 and it has been confirmed by the post office that the beneficiary is receiving payment.
518.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a claim for an increase in old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Representations received on 9 November 1984 were accepted as an application for an increase in old age pension on behalf of the person concerned. However, in a letter dated 19 November 1984 the pensioner stated that she did not wish to pursue the claim for an increase and accordingly it was withdrawn.
519.
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.
An appeals officer recently assessed the means of the person concerned at £19.20 weekly and he was notified accordingly on 12 February 1985. Payment of unemployment assistance at £48.95 weekly being the appropriate rate £68.15 less £19.20 means continues to be made to him as weekly payments become due.
520.
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.
An appeals officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £9.60 weekly and he was notified accordingly on 5 February 1985. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £20.35 being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £9.60 continue to be made as they become due.
521.
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 his means derived from the value of his capital and the profit from his holding exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He was notified of this decision of 13 December 1984 and has not signed as unemployed at his local office since 24 December 1984.
522.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid since August 1984 to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit since 15 August 1977 and all benefit payable to 24 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued. There was a delay in issuing payment for the period 31 August 1984 to 24 November 1984 due to the fact that medical certificates for this period were not received in the Department until 4 January 1985.
The wife of the person concerned is in receipt of the dependant's portion of benefit. When medical evidence was received in January 1985 it was established that she had been in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance since August 1984. The rate of supplementary welfare allowance in payment (£53.70 per week) is greater than the disability benefit rate payable (£51.10) and there are therefore no arrears of disability benefit due to the claimant's wife for the period 31 August 1984 to 24 November 1984. She was notified accordingly on 5 February 1985.
523.
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 appeal of the person concerned against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim will be dealt with by an appeals officer at the earliest opportunity. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the means assessed against him by the appeals officer.
524.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the appeal lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Cork against the decision to grant him a weekly rate of £1.10 unemployment assistance.
An appeals officer also assessed the means of the person concerned at £28.85 weekly and accordingly the weekly rate of unemployment assistance payable to him amounted to £1.10 being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £28.85. He was notified of the decision of the appeals officer. He has not signed as unemployed after 5 February 1985.
525.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in dealing with the application for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when a decision will be made in the case.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him, £49.35 weekly, derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £49.35 weekly. He has been informed accordingly. He has not signed as unemployed at his local office since 5 February 1985.
526.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in dealing with the application for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that an applicant must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 24 July 1984 and his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for employment. He appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of his case on 8 November 1984. The appeals officer also decided that he was not available for employment from 24 July 1984.
His claim was however admitted from 9 November 1984 at the appropriate weekly rate of £70.25 as he satisfied the required conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit from that date. A payable order for encashment at his local post office in respect of arrears of unemployment benefit less advances of supplementary welfare allowance will issue to him this week. Further weekly payments of £70.25 will issue as they become due.
527.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
All arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned were paid to him on 19 February 1985. Weekly payments at £49.20 being the appropriate rate £51.70 less means £2.50 are being made to him as they become due.
528.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate 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 £71.40 weekly the appropriate rate £86.75 less means £15.35. His means were derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £15.35 weekly, and he was notified accordingly on 24 November 1984. If he considers that his circumstances have changed since his means were assessed by an appeals officer it is open to him to apply for a further investigation of his means. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his local office.
529.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason three pensioners (details supplied) in County Galway, are not in receipt of a free electricity allowance; and if he will have their application re-examined with a view to having this benefit granted.
A free electricity allowance has been approved in this case and the ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to the electricity account for the household concerned from the November-December 1984 billing period onwards.
530.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an increase of £10 per week in social welfare assistance which was granted last March has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will arrange for the payment of this increased amount together with back money as soon as possible.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £65 weekly the appropriate rate £75 less means of £10. His means are derived from the value of benefit in kind from vegetables from his father's farm. There was no increase in unemployment assistance in March 1984. The only increase in 1984 occurred on 4 July 1984 and his rate was adjusted at that time. Accordingly he is being paid the rate of unemployment assistance to which he is entitled.
531.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the basis of unemployment benefit payments of £70 per week to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 with a dependent wife and two children; and if pay-related benefit is included in this payment.
The weekly rate of unemployment benefit payable to an applicant after he receives 156 days is reduced if he does not satisfy a contribution condition of having 280 contributions paid in a seven year period. The person concerned was paid at the appropriate weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit of £65.60 from 28 May 1984 increased to £70.25 from 5 July 1984 in accordance with budget increases and further increased to £80.15 on the birth of another child dependant. He exhausted 156 days of benefit on 28 November 1984 and and as he did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 contributions in a seven year period his weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit was reduced to £69.65 from 29 November 1984.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit flat-rate unemployment benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of a claimant. The 85 per cent limit applicable to him was calculated at £70.07 and in addition to flat-rate unemployment benefit he was paid pay-related benefit of £4.47 for the period 18 June 1984 to 4 July. No payment of pay-related benefit was made for the period 5 July 1984 until 28 November 1984 due to the 85 per cent limit. When the weekly rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit was reduced to £69.65 from 29 November 1984 payment of pay-related benefit at 42p weekly was made from that date. Combined weekly payments of £70.07 have been made to him to date.
This case was, however, the subject of a recent review of contribution history during which it came to light that he had additional contributions paid under his former insurance number which were not recorded when his record was processed for the seven year contribution test. He accordingly satisfies the contribution condition for continuous payment at £80.15 with effect from 29 November 1984 and arrangements are being made to pay adjusting arrears this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
532.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 20 November 1984 and was paid at the weekly rate of £37.25, the maximum rate appropriate to a single man. He submitted a claim form to the Department on 7 January 1985 indicating that he was a married man with one dependent child. Accordingly his weekly rate of payment was increased to £70.25, the maximum appropriate rate.
The arrears of benefit payable to him amounted to £196.58. This amount was with held and refunded to the Eastern Health Board on account of supplementary welfare allowance amounting to £361.25, advanced for the period 24 November 1984 to 12 January 1985. The remaining sum of £164.68 payable to the health board is being recovered by weekly deductions of £7 from his current disability benefit entitlement.
533.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting a deserted wife's allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24.
The person concerned withdrew her claim for a deserted wife's payment early in November last and accordingly no further action was taken in the matter. If she now wishes to renew her claim she should notify the Department to that effect.
534.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of pension to which a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is entitled.
The person concerned is in receipt of an old age contributory pension since 31 December 1982. Her present rate of pension is £50.75 per week, including a living alone allowance of £3.20 per week. This is the rate appropriate to her yearly average of 45 reckonable contributions. The yearly average was calculated on the basis of her total of 1,287 such contributions in the period from 7 July to 5 April 1982. A yearly average of at least 48 reckonable contributions is required to qualify for the pension at the maximum rate. There are no contributions recorded in respect of her for the 1956-57, 1957-58 and 1958-59 contributions years.
535.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make arrangements for the payment of arrears of disability benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if he is aware that this person did not receive any notification which his Department claim to have sent to her requesting that she attend for a medical examination on 29 January 1985; if he will agree that, as notifications are not sent by registered post, this is an unfair decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 26 September 1984 and payment was disallowed from 25 December 1984 following her failure to attend for examination by a medical referee of the Department on 10 December 1984. Notification to attend the examination, which was issued to the same address as the claimant's cheques, was issued a week before the examination date.
A further examination was arranged for the claimant on 22 February 1985 and the medical referee who examined her expressed the opinion that she was incapable of work. Payment of benefit has been restored from 25 December 1984 and all benefit payable to 11 February 1985 has been issued.
536.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 1 February 1985 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
537.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding on the appeal for an invalidity pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The delay in hearing the appeal has been caused by a general increase in the number of appeals and everything possible is being done to relieve the situation.
538.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned was paid injury benefit for the period from 24 September 1984 to 5 December 1984 and pay-related benefit from 16 October in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 24 September. He was also paid injury benefit from 11 January 1985 and pay-related benefit from 1 February in respect of a recurrence of the incapacity. A medical referee who examined him on 6 December 1984 expressed the opinion that he was not incapable of work and benefit on the former claim was therefore discontinued. When the claimant appealed against the decision he was examined by a different medical referee on 21 February who confirmed the earlier opinion. Claimant's appeal against the decision disallowing injury benefit from 5 December is being referred to the appeals officer and a decision will be made as soon as possible. Injury and pay-related benefit has been paid in respect of the period to 20 February.
539.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Louth who claimed this allowance on 13 November 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 13 November 1984 and his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. These inquiries were extensive and were completed recently. His claim to unemployment assistance has been disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment as a painter exceeded the statutory limit. He has been informed of this decision and of his right to have his case determined by an appeals officer.
540.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore a children's allowance book to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The children's allowance books in this case have been reissued to the person concerned.
541.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment assistance will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Following the completion of inquiries the person concerned was assessed with means at £15.40 weekly derived from the benefit of board and lodging in his parents home. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £14.55 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £15.40 in respect of the period 13 November 1984 to 5 January 1985 and all arrears of unemployment assistance due to him issued last week. A new benefit year commenced on 7 January 1985 and he satisfied the contribution conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit at £37.25 weekly from that date. All arrears of unemployment benefit were also paid to him last week and further weekly payments of unemployment benefit will be made as they become due.
542.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is receiving only 10p per day in unemployment assistance.
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 were paid on 12 February 1985. She ceased to sign as unemployed from 5 September 1984.
543.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the position of a person (details supplied) in County Cork as his financial circumstances have changed.
In the light of the information provided, the Deputy's representations have been accepted as a claim to increased old age pension on behalf of the person concerned. The case is being referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries are completed a decision will be made and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
544.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned withdrew her claim to old age pension on 11 September 1984. She is at present in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension at the maximum weekly rate of £41.30 which is also the maximum weekly rate of old age pension payable to a person under 80 years and not residing alone.
545.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was withdrawn in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following a review of the means of the person concerned he was assessed with means at £73.80 weekly derived from self-employment as a painter. The means assessed against him exceeded the rate appropriate to him. His claim to unemployment assistance was accordingly disallowed. He appealed and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. He is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his appeal.
546.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been cancelled in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan and when a decision will be made on this appeal.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 14 November 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the disallowance and in connection with her appeal arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 27 February 1985. Her entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
547.
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 unemployment benefit on 30 January 1984 but did not satisfy the contribution conditions during the contribution period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 which governed her claim. However, she continued to sign for credited contributions. In November 1984 her case was reviewed and her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work from 26 November 1984. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on the 19 February 1985 but the appeals officer also decided that she was not available for employment. Notification of this decision was issued to her on 22 February 1985.
548.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Following a reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £11.90 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and the value of his capital. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer on 16 October 1984 reduced the amount of means assessed against him to £9 weekly with effect from 14 July 1983. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £22.75 weekly, the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £9. All arrears due were paid to him on 13 November 1984. Weekly payments at £22.75 continue to be made as they become due.
549.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against this decision and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. The appeals officer requested further details in connection with his appeal and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries. These inquiries have now been completed and arrangements are being made to have his case re-submitted to an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
550.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the basis on which means of £41.75 were assessed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who is in receipt of unemployment assistance; how this means could be upheld by an appeals officer in view of the fact that the health board had to pay supplementary allowance to support this family; and if he will now restore the full rate of unemployment assistance to the applicant.
The means of the person concerned were assessed on the basis that he had a yearly income of £2,172 from self-employment. The weekly assessment of means £41.75 was calculated on the basis of the sum of £2,172 divided by 52. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and following further inquiries an appeals officer also assessed him with means at £41.75 weekly. He accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £26.40 weekly the appropriate rate £68.15 less means £41.75 He recently requested a review of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
551.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal for a prescribed relative allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following a review of the prescribed relative allowance entitlement of the person concerned, it has been decided that the pensioner is no longer entitled to the allowance on the grounds that she does not fulfil the statutory conditions. A condition for receipt of the allowance requires that, but for the presence of the relative, in this case her son, Thomas, the pensioner must be living alone or with children under 18 years or with persons over 18 years of age who are mentally or physically incapacitated. The pensioner's other son Sean, who is also living with her, does not fall into this category. In the circumstances the allowance has been revoked. There is no appeal on hands in this case.
552.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in having the necessary inquiries completed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is required to sign the register of unemployed daily, as this is causing him great hardship.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that a person must be unemployed, capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work. Among the requirements for proving compliance with these conditions is the stipulation that an unemployed person must sign the unemployed register at a local office of the Department at specified times during normal working hours. An irregularity arose in relation to the claim of the person in question and there was subsequently some doubt as to whether he fulfilled the statutory conditions. He was accordingly instructed to sign the unemployed register daily to prove unemployment. A review of his signing arrangements will be included in a current review of his claim.
553.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the decision, if any, made on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance.
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 this decision and an appeals officer assessed his means at £15 weekly derived from parental support. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £14.40 weekly the appropriate rate £29.40 less means of £15 for the period 21 May 1984 to 3 July 1984 and £14.95 weekly £29.95 less means £15 for the period 4 July 1984 to 29 September 1984 when he ceased to sign on at his local office. He was however in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim and all arrears due to him were recouped to his health board. He has not been in touch with his local office since 29 September 1984.
554.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider paying a death grant to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of her late husband who was in receipt of a non-contributory old age pension.
Payment of death grant is subject to the satisfaction of certain contribution conditions one of which requires that at least 26 contributions be paid by the deceased (or the spouse of the deceased) since 1 October 1970 — the date the death grant scheme was introduced. This condition is not satisfied and a death grant is not therefore payable.
555.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was refused on her claim for disability benefit; and if her second appeal against this decision can be investigated as a matter of urgency with a view to having payment of this benefit made to her.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 14 November 1984, following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She was examined on 7 February 1985 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. An appeal form has been issued to the claimant and she has been advised to return the form setting out the grounds for her appeal if she wishes her case to be referred to an appeals officer for determination.
556.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive a family income supplement.
The person concerned was awarded a family income supplement at the weekly rate of £3.75 from 6 September 1984 and received payment in respect of the period up to and including 26 December 1984. The book was later returned to the Department as the recipient became unemployed and was thereby disqualified from receiving supplement. He has been advised to notify the Department if he resumes employment and when he does so the book will be returned to him without delay.
557.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be considered for an invalidity pension in view of the fact that he will not work again.
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 on 21 February 1985 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He is, therefore, not qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension.
558.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of representations already made to him and the fact that a satisfactory reply on the matter has not been received to date if he will state the up-to-date position in relation to the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for an old age pension.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 21 June 1984 and claimed old age contributory pension on 17 July 1984. She was awarded the old age contributory pension at the rate appropriate to a yearly average of 20 reckonable contributions with effect from 22 June 1984.
An old age contributory pension book containing orders payable from 21 December 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 20 December 1984 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. She had been in receipt of deserted wife's benefit up to the previous week and all arrears of old age contributory pension payable to her from 22 June 1984 to 20 December 1984 less the amount of deserted wife's benefit paid to her in respect of the same period have been issued to her by payable order.
The supervisor of the welfare home in which the person concerned is a patient was appointed as agent to collect the pension on her behalf and she confirms that the pension book was received and that the pension is being collected. The initial delay arose as result of an error whereby the full insurance record was not taken into account when calculating the yearly average.
559.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of representations already made to him and the fact that a satisfactory reply on the matter has not been received to date, if he will state the up-to-date position with regard to the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for unemployment assistance or benefit.
During the period 18 April 1984 to 12 December 1984 the person concerned intermittently claimed unemployment assistance at a local office in Galway and having removed to Dublin, he resumed his claim at two different local offices, in addition to being in the United Kingdom for a short period. While awaiting the outcome of his unemployment assistance applications both in Dublin and Galway he obtained statements from local offices to enable him to claim supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claims.
He was assessed with nil means and following the completion of inquiries weekly payment commenced to be made on 5 June 1984 and arrears due were held pending information of the amount of supplementary welfare allowance due for re-imbursement to local health boards. The arrears due were subsequently paid to him on 5 September 1984 when it was established that he did not receive supplementary welfare allowance. He ceased to sign as unemployed after 4 September 1984 and is understood to have resided in the United Kingdom. He resumed claiming unemployment assistance on 31 October 1984 and was paid unemployment assistance weekly until 12 December 1984 when he last signed as unemployed.
Due mainly to the movement of the claim documents the representations made on behalf of the person concerned were inadvertently misfiled when dealing with the case. Arrangements have been made to write to the Deputy and to furnish a full explanation of the events in this case.
560.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of representations already made to him and the fact that a satisfactory reply on the matter has not been received to date, if he will state the up-to-date position regarding the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for a social assistance allowance.
The person concerned has been in receipt of a social assistance allowance with effect from 24 November 1983. Payment is being made at the maximum rate appropriate to a woman with five dependent children. A deduction of £14 per week is being made in order to recover an overpayment which she incurred on a previous claim.
561.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of representations already made to him and the fact that a satisfactory reply on the matter has not been received to date, if he will state the up-to-date position with regard to the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 for an invalidity pension.
A claim for invalidity pension was received from the person concerned on 25 June 1984. The pension was awarded from 28 June 1984 and a pension book payable from 26 July 1984 was issued to the designated post office of payment on 16 July 1984. Arrears in respect of the period from 28 June 1984 to 25 July 1984, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, were paid by payable order on 22 August 1984. The Department's records show that representations which were received from the Deputy on 15 February 1984 and 18 May 1984 were replied to on 23 March and 8 June respectively. There is no trace of further representations being received.
562.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of representations already made to him and the fact that a satisfactory reply on the matter has not been received to date, if he will state the up-to-date position with regard to the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 regarding a prescribed relative's allowance.
Following the receipt of representations from the Deputy in January and June 1984 an application form on which to claim a prescribed relative allowance was sent to the person concerned (who is in receipt of a widow's contributory pension) on both occasions. There is no record of either form ever having been returned to the Department.
In view of the Deputy's question a social welfare officer has been asked to call on her for the purpose of having an application form completed and to confirm that she qualifies for the allowance. On receipt of the application a decision will be given without delay and she will be advised of the outcome.
563.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of representations already made to him and the fact that a satisfactory reply on the matter has not been received to date, if he will state the up-to-date position in relation the problem being experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in relation to her disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 31 March 1972 and payment has been issued to 2 March 1985 in accordance with medical certificates received. No delay in issuing payment has occurred. Representations which were received from the Deputy were replied to on 9 July 1984. There is no trace of any further representations being received. A list of the last ten cheques issued has been forwarded to the person concerned. She should contact the Department immediately if she has not received any of these cheques.
564.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a family income supplement will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned was awarded a family income supplement at the weekly rate of £7.75 from 6 September 1984. The appropriate order book was issued to the designated post office on 14 February 1985 and it has been confirmed by the post office that the beneficiary is receiving payment.
565.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be transferred to an invalidity pension.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to date. 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 on 21 February 1985 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 four months. The question of entitlement to invalidity pension will be considered after that examination.
566.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the maximum rate of disability benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 7 January 1985 to 18 February 1985, date of the latest medical certificate received. Benefit was paid at the weekly rate of £32.75 the maximum rate appropriate to a married woman dependent on her husband. She was also paid pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £24.52 from 28 January 1985, nineteenth day of incapacity. All benefit payable in respect of her claim has been issued to her.
567.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the maximum rate of unemployment benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £26.55 weekly the appropriate rate £56.45 less means £29.90 derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him and he feels his circumstances have changed, it is open to him to request a review of his means. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
568.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the maximum amount of unemployment assistance together with arrears will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
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.
569.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
It has not been possible to trace 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.
570.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has yet adjudicated on the application for an invalidity pension submitted by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 27 November 1984 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. In order that a person may be considered permanently incapable of work, it is necessary for him inter alia, to have been continuously incapable of work for a period of one year. Therefore the earliest date on which the claimant can qualify for invalidity pension is 27 November 1985.
571.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on the application for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The social welfare officer made a number of void calls because of applicant's change of address. The social welfare officer recently succeeded in completing inquiries and the papers are 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.
572.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on the situation with regard to an appeal for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. His means were derived from self-employment as a painter and from benefit of his wife's income. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit and disallowed his unemployment assistance claim. He was notified accordingly on 20 February 1985.
573.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 5 December 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. If he decides to hold an oral hearing of her case the claimant will be notified of the time and place of hearing.
574.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason persons in receipt of a blind or invalidity pension from Britain are considered ineligible for a free electricity allowance in this State while applicants with the equivalent Irish pensions are granted this allowance and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The free electricity allowance scheme was introduced as an additional benefit for recipients of social welfare old age type pensions and blind pensions who also satisfied certain conditions. It has been extended, as circumstances permitted, to other categories of recipients. There are practical difficulties in relation to its extension to the categories mentioned by the Deputy because of differences between the Irish and British schemes in question. Any such extension would, in any event, have significant cost implications for this and other schemes administered by the Department and there are no proposals at this time to extend the scheme in this way.
575.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider paying unemployment benefit for the first three days of a claim to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the circumstances.
Payment of unemployment benefit is normally made from the fourth day of unemployment. However, where there is a claim for sickness or unemployment benefit in the preceding 13 weeks, payment may be made from the first day of unemployment. The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 4 December 1984 to 15 December 1984 and unemployment benefit from 18 December 1984 to 20 December 1984. However, particulars regarding his disability benefit claim were not available at the employment office while he was signing the unemployed register and consequently unemployment benefit was not paid for the period 18 December 1984 to 20 December 1984 as this period was treated as a three day waiting period. It has now been established that he is entitled to payment of unemployment benefit for this period and arrangements have been made to issue an order for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears due this week.
576.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 9 April 1981 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 7 March 1985. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
577.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The entitlement of the person concerned to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is governed by the amount of his reckonable earnings during the relevant income tax period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983. According to the records of the Department his reckonable earnings during the period were £1,886.89 and the amount was insufficient to qualify him for pay-related benefit. Weekly payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £35.90 continue to be made to him as they become due.
578.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit from 2 November 1984, fourth day of incapacity, to 6 February 1985 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He was advised of this decision and of his right to appeal on 18 February 1985. There is no record in the Department of a letter of appeal having been received from the claimant.
579.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance and a free travel allowance will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the February-March 1985 billing period onwards. A free travel pass was issued to the person concerned on 7 February 1985. If he did not receive this pass he should contact the Department and arrangements will be made for the issue to him of a duplicate.
580.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit at the maximum rate of £88.35 per week for a married man with three dependent children from 21 November 1984 the fourth day of incapacity to 2 February 1985 after which date he was certified fit to resume work. The amount of pay-related benefit payable is subject to the proviso that the total weekly payment of disability benefit and pay-related benefit shall not exceed 75 per cent of the claimant's reckonable weekly earnings in the 1982-83 income tax year. Accordingly, the person concerned was paid pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £10.53 from 8 December 1984 the nineteenth day of incapacity. The total weekly amount of benefit paid from 8 December 1984 therefore amounted to £98.88, equal to 75 per cent of his average reckonable weekly earnings in the 1982-1983 year.
581.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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.
582.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Following the completion of inquiries to establish that the person concerned fulfilled the condition of being available for work her unemployment benefit claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £37.25. All arrears due were paid to her last week and further payments will be made as weekly payments become due.
583.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £17.25 weekly the appropriate rate £88.40 less means £71.15 derived from self-employment as a fisherman. He recently requested a review of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of his means. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
584.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been paid arrears of an unmarried mother's allowance due to her; and when she will be paid.
A payable order for the arrears in question, less adjustments in respect of maternity allowance paid to her by the Department and supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Southern Health Board, has now been sent to the person concerned. Before the arrears could be paid to her it was necessary to establish the deductions which had to be made from them.