asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been refused free fuel vouchers by the Eastern Health Board, Naas, County Kildare, to whom he applied in October last.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
541.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the administration of the national fuel scheme in the Kildare community care area, where the person concerned resides, that he applied for a fuel allowance on 28 January 1985. His application has been approved and a cheque for £120 in respect of the 1984-85 heating season is in course of issue to him.
542.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal was decided in respect of an application for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The appeal of the person concerned against the amount of means assessed against him for unemployment assistance purposes and which was referred to in the reply to the Deputy's parliamentary question on 30 January 1985, was decided on 17 October 1984. The applicant was informed of the decision on 19 October 1984.
543.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for work and to fulfil this condition a claimant must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 8 February 1985 having participated in the enterprise allowance scheme from 19 March 1984 to 7 February 1985. However, his entitlement to unemployment benefit cannot be determined until inquiries which are being made to establish that he fulfils the condition of being available for work have been completed. He is at present in receipt of advances of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his claim to unemployment benefit.
544.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit cheques are arriving very irregularly for a person (details supplied) in County Cork despite numerous approaches to his Department by Deputy Allen on this matter as his medical certs are submitted each Tuesday morning to the employment exchange in Cork.
A review of the claim has revealed that cheques are being issued promptly on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity. However, in view of the nature and duration of his incapacity, it is now possible to transfer the claim of the person concerned to a payment system whereby cheques will be issued on the same day each week in advance of medical certification which will only be required at monthly intervals.
545.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow (details supplied) in County Cork who is living alone is not getting her free electricity allowance from the ESB in Cork.
The free electricity allowance which applied to the account of the person concerned was withdrawn in error in October 1984. When the error came to light in January 1985 the ESB was instructed to restore the allowance from the date of termination. The ESB has confirmed that this has been done and the appropriate credit will be allowed to the person concerned on her next ESB bill.
546.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason his Department is continuing to refuse disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork despite the fact that a letter has been submitted from his doctor confirming that he could not attend the medical examination because he was seriously ill.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 17 December 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and arrangements were made to have him examined on 26 February 1985 by a different medical referee. The claimant was medically certified as unfit to attend on that date and arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee as soon as possible. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed when the report of this examination is received.
547.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been receiving disability benefit cheques as she has been submitting weekly certs since 21 December 1984 and was insurably employed for two and a half years prior to becoming ill.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 21 December 1984. Payment of benefit was not authorised however, as according to the records of the Department she had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid since her entry into insurable employment.
It has now been established that she had the necessary 26 contributions paid since her entry into insurance on 27 April 1983 and all disability benefit payable from 26 December 1984 to 8 March 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to her.
548.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork against the decision to disallow her disability benefit on 23 July 1984 will be heard.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 23 July 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and she was examined on 1 October 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing as soon as possible. She will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
549.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure the early payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is a deserted wife and is in serious financial need.
The person concerned has not applied for unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance or deserted wife's benefit. If she is unemployed it is open to her to claim unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance by calling or writing to her nearest local office. She was furnished with an application form for deserted wife's benefit some time ago; she has not returned it to date.
550.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if consideration will be given to the application for free telephone rental on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The free telephone rental allowance scheme is confined to persons aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of one of a number of specified payments. Persons under that age can also qualify for the allowance if they are in receipt of an invalidity or blind person's pension from the Department or a disabled person's maintenance allowance from a health board.
The person concerned is under 66 years of age and is not in receipt of one of the above payments. She cannot therefore qualify for this allowance at present. A notification to this effect was issued to her on 13 March 1985.
551.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons an old age pension has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware of the changed circumstances of this person; if he will now direct his Department to restore this pension in full; the date on which weekly payments and all arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as his means consisting of half the weekly value of a holding and the capital value of property exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. The appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive except in the light of new facts or fresh evidence.
552.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is only getting £28 unemployment assistance per week and is not getting the full amount with butter vouchers.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 26 July 1983 and payment was made at the appropriate weekly rate of £28 weekly increasing to £29.95 weekly from 4 July 1984.
Following protracted inquiries it was established in October 1984 that he qualified for unemployment benefit at the maximum weekly rate of £34.80 from the commencement of the new benefit year from 2 January 1984. An adjusting payment paying arrears of unemployment benefit due for the period he signed the unemployed register between 2 January 1984 to 15 October 1984 less the amount of unemployment assistance already paid for this period issued to him on week ending 23 October 1984. He exhausted 156 days benefit on 4 July 1984 and as he did not fulfil the contribution condition for continuous payment of unemployment benefit at the maximum rate his weekly rate of unemployment benefit was reduced to £30.90 from 5 July 1984.
He is in receipt of unemployment benefit at this rate at present and weekly payments of this amount will continue to be made as they fall due. Under the EC social assistance butter scheme only persons in receipt of non-contributory means tested welfare payments are entitled to butter vouchers. He is accordingly not eligible for butter vouchers.
553.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be called before a medical referee in support of his appeal for disability benefit.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 2 March 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He has indicated to the Department that he wishes to appeal the decision to disallow payment but to date he has not submitted medical evidence of incapacity for work subsequent to 2 March 1985. This evidence is necessary before his appeal can be proceeded with.
554.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick was refused an invalidity pension in view of her bad sight; and if he will reconsider his decision on the matter.
The person concerned applied for blind pension in July 1984. She was examined by an opthalmic surgeon on 18 September 1984 and his report did not support her claim. Payment of pension was, accordingly, refused.
The claimant appealed against this decision and, on 24 January 1985, it was decided by an appeals officer that she is not entitled to a blind pension as she does not fulfil the statutory condition as to blindness. If her vision should deteriorate, it is open to the person concerned to re-apply for pension.
555.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not receiving the maximum rate of contributory pension.
The person concerned has been in receipt of widow's contributory pension at a reduced rate since the death of her husband in 1971.
This pension was awarded by virtue of her late husband's insurance record, calculated over a 35 year period from 1936 to 1970, which yields a yearly average of 35 contributions.
Her current rate of pension is £42.45 a week. This is the rate payable to a widow over 66 years and under 80 years with no qualified children where the yearly average number of insurance contributions is in the range 30 to 35. For pension at the maximum rate (in her case £44.30) an average of 48 or more contributions would be required.
This woman is also at present in receipt of a British widow's retirement pension at the weekly rate of £21.26 sterling.
556.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare was reduced to £11 per week in social welfare assistance and has received no communication about details of his income and expenditure which he now needs.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £13 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £18.75. His means are derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital.
The profit from his holding was calculated on the basis of a gross income of £1,555 per annum less £705 per annum by way of expenses incurred in earning that income. Accordingly he was deemed to enjoy a profit of £850 per annum from his holding. His capital amounted to £1,472.98 and was calculated in accordance with statutory provision at £127.30 per annum. On the basis of a total income of £977.30 his weekly means were calculated at £18.75 by dividing his total income by 52.
557.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been called for examination by the medical referee as stated to him in a letter of the 4 February 1985.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 8 January 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and in connection with his appeal arrangements are being made to have him examined on 27 March 1985 by a different medical referee. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
558.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will have the matter reviewed.
The rate of widow's non-contributory pension payable to the person concerned has been reduced to £15.30 per week following a re-investigation of her circumstances. This is the rate appropriate to a widow over 66 years and under 80 years of age with no qualified children and whose weekly means exceed £30 but do not exceed £32. She has been assessed with means of £32 per week derived from a seasonal job.
Initially her pension was reduced to £21.30 per week on the basis of means of £25.77 per week from earnings. She appealed against this decision and on further investigation it was discovered that her earnings had been incorrectly calculated and should have been £32 a week. The appeals officer agreed that this new assessment was correct and she is therefore now being paid at the maximum rate to which she is entitled. The appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive and can only be reviewed should there be a material change in the claimant's circumstances.
559.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in very poor financial circumstances.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned is partially investigated. The social welfare officer is still awaiting details regarding income from a business which have not yet come to hand. When these details become available the matter will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
560.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a free travel pass available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on a contributory pension in her husband's name.
A free travel pass was issued to the person concerned on 13 March 1985.
561.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has now been claiming for the past 20 weeks; and the reason for the delay.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that her means of £36 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on her father's holding exceeded the maximum rate payable to her. She appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and an appeals officer reduced the amount of means assessed against her to £25 weekly. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £6.75 the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £25. She was however in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of her appeal and the amount of arrears of unemployment assistance due to her will be recouped to her local health board. She was paid a current week of £6.75 on 14 March 1985 and weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
562.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free travel pass will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in receipt of a disabled person's maintenance allowance.
A free travel pass was issued to the person concerned on 8 March 1985.
563.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for the delay; and if he will have all arrears paid to him.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 28 September 1984 and claimed a contributory old age pension on 1 November 1984. He was awarded the pension at the maximum rate with effect from 28 September 1984, the date on which he reached age 66 years. A contributory old age pension book containing orders payable from 25 January 1985 was issued to the designated post office on 23 January 1985 for collection by him and he was notified accordingly. He was in receipt of invalidity pension up to the previous week.
All arrears of contributory old age pension due to the person concerned have been issued to him by payable order. Pensions are paid weekly in advance and are not payable in respect of periods less than a week. Accordingly, the amount of invalidity pension paid to him from 27 September 1984 fell to be deducted from the arrears of contributory old age pension due to him from 28 September 1984 to 24 January 1984. The splitting of the payment of pensions between Thursdays and Fridays is done to avoid congestion in post offices.
564.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare who is married with four children was disallowed social welfare assistance.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 5 December 1984 on the grounds that his means of £80.60 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital, exceeded the maximum rate payable to him.
The profit from his holding was calculated on the basis of a gross income of £7,500 per annum less £3,500 by way of expenses incurred in earning that income. Accordingly he was deemed to enjoy a profit of £4,000 per annum from his holding. His capital amounted to £2,137.31 and was calculated in accordance with statutory provision at £193.73 per annum. On the basis of a total annual income of £4,193.73 his weekly means were calculated at £80.60 by dividing his total income by 52. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £80.60 weekly. He was informed accordingly.
565.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of disability benefit was discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Clare although he has supported his claim with a doctor's certificate.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 25 February 1985, following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have him re-examined on 27 March 1985 by a different medical referee. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
566.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway against a decision to cancel his 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 also decided that his claim should continue to be disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He was informed accordingly.
567.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the full rate of pay-related unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; this person's entitlements; and the length of time for which he can claim unemployment benefit.
The person concerned may be paid unemployment benefit for 390 days. He was paid at the reduced weekly flat rate of unemployment benefit at £68.90 weekly but following the recent completion of inquiries about his contribution record it was established that he satisfied the contribution conditions for payment of unemployment benefit at the maximum flat rate of £70.25 weekly and adjusting arrears will be paid this week. He is at present in receipt of pay-related benefit at £9.32 weekly in addition to flat rate unemployment benefit. However, inquiries are being made to ascertain whether he had additional reckonable earnings during the relevant income tax period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 and when these inquiries are completed the rate of pay-related benefit payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
568.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment benefit is payable to an applicant (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit on the basis of her Irish contribution record. She was in receipt of disability benefit from the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and following the termination of her disability benefit claim she stated that she took up employment in this country for one week. To enable her entitlement to unemployment benefit to be determined the British Authorities have been asked to furnish details of her British contribution record and inquiries are being made to establish that her recent employment was appropriate to a contribution class whereby her British contributions may be invoked in accordance with the provision of EC Regulations. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit in respect of her recent claim will be decided in the light of the outcome of these inquiries.
569.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Following investigation of her unemployment assistance claim the person concerned was assessed with means of £14.10 from 25 November 1984, £19.15 from 10 January 1985, and £18.20 from 5 March 1985. Her means are derived from the value of board and lodging on her brother's holding and from the value of capital. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.85 weekly from 25 November 1984 the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £14.10, £10.80 weekly from 10 January 1985 the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £19.15, and £11.75 weekly from 5 March 1985 the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £18.20. All arrears due to her will be paid this week and weekly payments of £11.75 will continue to be made as they become due.
570.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit from 4 February 1985 at £37.25 per week, the maximum rate payable to a single man. He is also in receipt of pay-related benefit from 25 February 1985, the nineteenth day of incapacity, at £14.61 per week. All disability benefit and pay-related benefit payable to 11 March 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received has been issued.
571.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay the maximum rate of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as he has no means.
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 informed accordingly. If he is now prepared to furnish details of his means he should inform his local office and arrangements will be made to have his case reviewed.
572.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an application for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 28 January 1985 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. It is expected that the investigations will be completed this week and his case will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
573.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the refusal of a claim made by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
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. If he is dissatisfied with the decision, and he is now prepared to disclose his means, it is open to him to inform his local office and his case will be reviewed.
574.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a replacement book in respect of her old age pension was not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
An old age pension book at the maximum weekly rate of £41.30 payable from 5 October 1984 issued to the person concerned. Following a notification from the pensioner on 4 February 1985 that the pension book had not been received, a replacement book payable from 8 February 1985 issued direct to the pensioner on 14 February 1985. On completion of our inquiries regarding the lost pension book any arrears due will be issued without delay.
575.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange a date to hold an oral hearing in respect of a claim for disability benefit made by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 7 September 1984 following an examination by a medical referee of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee on 16 November 1984 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 7 September 1984 to 11 September 1984 the date of the latest medical certificate before him. The decision of the appeals officer is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh evidence. The person concerned has not submitted any medical evidence of incapacity to the Department subsequent to 11 September 1984.
576.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to payments of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 12 September 1984 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 24 October 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing as soon as possible. He will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
577.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be called before an appeals officer and have an oral hearing of her appeal against a decision by the deciding officer not to grant disability benefit to her.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 12 November 1984, following examination by a medical referee who considered her to be capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and she was examined on 17 December 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing as soon as possible. The claimant will be notified of the time and place of the hearing when the arrangements have been made.
578.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an application for a transfer from disability benefit to invalidity pension made by a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
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.
579.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Laois as she has been in receipt of this pension for 11 years and it has now been withdrawn.
Following a reinvestigation of her circumstances the widow's non-contributory pension which had been in payment to the person concerned, since the death of her husband in 1974, was terminated because her weekly means derived from a farm holding were assessed at £90.15 per week. This exceeded the limit of £54 applicable to her as a widow under 66 years of age with one qualified child. She appealed against this decision on 27 February 1985 and a form on which to set out the grounds on which she is appealing has been sent to her for completion. When this form is returned her case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and she will be notified of the outcome.
580.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for deserted wife's allowance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. It is expected that these investigations will be completed shortly. When the officer's report is received a decision will be given and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
581.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means of £31.60 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding exceeded the rate payable to him. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £31.60 weekly. He has not signed as unemployed since 1 January 1985.
582.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of the maximum rate old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £42.50 from 28 December 1984 which includes a living alone allowance of £3.20. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means consisting of the weekly value of a holding. The appropriate pension books payable from 28 December 1984 issued on 5 December 1984. If the pensioner feels that her circumstances have changed since the date of her last assessment, she should notify this Department to that effect and her case will be reinvestigated.
583.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit. He claimed unemployment assistance but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He was informed accordingly on 29 January 1985. He recently appealed against this decision at his local office and arrangements are being made to have his case submitted to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's report.
584.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having payment of disability benefit made in respect of medical certificates submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 21 September 1984 and payment was issued to 16 February 1985, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. On 27 February 1985 he made a further claim to benefit from 18 February and payment for the period from 18 February to 25 February was issued on 11 March 1985. All benefit payable to the person concerned has now been issued to 11 March 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
585.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of disability benefit in respect of medical certificates submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 28 January 1985 following examination by a medical referee who considered him to be capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and he was examined on 26 February 1985 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. An appeal form has been issued to the claimant and he has been advised to return the form setting out the grounds for his appeal if he wishes his case to be referred to an appeals officer for determination.
586.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of disability benefit in respect of medical certificates submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
All disability benefit payable to the person concerned from 28 February 1985, the fourth day of incapacity, to 11 March 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has issued. The delay in payment was caused by an administrative error.
587.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford has been refused unemployment assistance although he has been signing since 10 October 1984; and how a figure of £3,640 was arrived at in his assessment.
The means of the person concerned were assessed on the basis of his earnings from self-employment as a general labourer. Following an investigation of his case by a social welfare officer his earnings were estimated at £3,640 per annum and as this amount exceeded the statutory limit applicable to him, £2,935.40 per annum, his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed accordingly. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed his means as being in excess of the statutory limit of £2,935.40 per annum. He was informed accordingly and he has not signed as unemployed at his local office since 26 February 1985.
588.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange a transfer from disability benefit to invalidity pension for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
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.
589.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit. He claimed unemployment assistance and following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with means at £5.75 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £24.20 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £5.75 means. All arrears due will be paid next week and further payments will be made as these become due.
590.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An applicant to unemployment benefit who is a landholder and who does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 contributions paid in a three year period is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily. The person concerned is a landholder who does not satisfy the 78 contribution condition. Following investigations it was established that the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily and accordingly his unemployment benefit claim was disallowed. He claimed unemployment assistance on 29 November 1984 and following investigation he was assessed with means exceeding the statutory limit. His means are derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital. Accordingly his claim to unemployment assistance has been disallowed. He has been informed of this decision.
591.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that he failed to satisfy the statutory conditions as to means. His means consisting of the weekly value of capital and a holding exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. The person concerned appealed against this decision on 12 March 1985 and his appeal has been submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The appeal will be decided as soon as possible and the claimant will be notified of the outcome without delay.
592.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason persons (details supplied) in County Wexford were refused 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. Her husband who resides with the person concerned would come within these categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme, if he were an invalid. She was advised accordingly on 12 November 1984 and requested to furnish medical evidence in respect of her husband in support of her claim if she felt that this condition could be satisfied in his case. There has been no further communication from the person concerned. If medical evidence is now furnished in support of her claim her entitlement will be reconsidered and she will be notified of the outcome.
593.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a claim for unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £11.75 weekly the appropriate rate £86.75 less means £75. His means are derived from the profit from his holding. He requested a review of his means but the original claim documents have gone astray in transit to his local office. Duplicate papers have been prepared and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer who will carry out the inquiries as expeditiously as possible. The assessment of his means will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of these investigations and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly
594.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a claim for unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £7.50 weekly the appropriate rate £94 less means of £86.50. His means are derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and on 5 March 1985 an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £86.50. He was notified accordingly.
595.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who lives alone, and is in receipt of a widow's pension from DHSS in Britain is entitled to a free electricity allowance, television licence and telephone rental allowance.
A free electricity allowance, a free television licence and a free telephone rental allowance cannot be granted to the person concerned as the British war widows pension which she is receiving is not one of the specified payments which would enable her to qualify for these benefits.
596.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is married with five children has £20 means assessed against him for unemployment assistance.
Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned in March 1983 he was assessed with means of £50 weekly derived from self-employment as a market gardener. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer reduced his means to £20 weekly. He last claimed unemployment assistance on 6 December 1984 and following investigation his means were assessed at £10.85 weekly. His means are derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £77.85 weekly being the appropriate rate £88.70 less £10.85. All adjusting arrears will be paid next week and further payments at £77.85 weekly will be made as they become due.
597.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the serious delays in the payment of benefits from his Department, he will agree to the decentralisation of the Department as a means of speeding up such payments; if he will arrange for the provision of a section at each labour exchange for the payment of disability benefits and other benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Many of the Department's services are already decentralised to a considerable extent. For example unemployment payments are made through the Department's countrywide network of employment offices. In the case of long term benefits, such as pensions and children's allowance where the periods of entitlement can be established well in advance, although the entitlements are decided centrally, payment is made by means of books of vouchers cashable at local post offices. Some 362,000 pensioners and 454,000 families on children's allowances are paid by this method. There are no immediate plans to transfer administration of disability benefit and other benefits from headquarters to local offices. Such a move would require considerable extra resources by way of staff, accommodation and equipment and the local offices are already under severe pressure because of the increasing number of claimants for unemployment payments.
There is little doubt but that a disability benefit system which could relate more closely to local circumstances would lead to greater efficiencies in administration and provide a better service to the public. To this end visual display terminals linked to the Department's computers have been installed in many of the Department's offices to provide a rapid inquiry service in relation to disability benefit claim. It is intended to equip all the Department's information offices with these inquiry terminals in due course. Further development of these inquiry facilities to provide a claims processing function for disability benefits at local offices will have to await a more comprehensive computerisation of all the services provided in the local offices. Such a programme is planned for but will take several years to complete. The administration of the Department's services, including the actual method of payment used in the individual schemes, is kept under continual review with a view to its improvement to the advantage of beneficiaries by the use of modern technology and administrative methods.
598.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free travel pass will be sent out to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied for this pass and attached his birth certificate on 18 November 1984, who applied again on 23 January 1985 and who has not yet received a reply.
There is no record of receipt of an application for free travel from the person concerned. He was advised accordingly and an application form was issued to him on 29 January 1985 in response to his letter of 23 January 1985. The Department have had no communication from him since that date. On receipt of the Deputy's question, a further application form was issued to him. When the completed application and proof of age is received in the Department, a pass will be issued to him without delay.
599.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and the reasons for the delay in payment.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 27 June 1984 and all benefit payable in respect of his claim has been issued to 6 March 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received. Payment for the period 21 February to 6 March 1985 was issued on 8 March 1985, the day after the medical evidence of his incapacity for that period was received in the Department. There has been no delay in issuing payment to him.
600.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for a free telephone rental allowance was refused in view of the fact that he has four dependent children.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must be living alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency. The person concerned is residing with his wife and 15 year old daughter, neither of whom are, from the information furnished, permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. A free telephone rental allowance cannot therefore be granted to the applicant.
601.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 7 January 1985 and her claim was disallowed from that date to 31 January 1985 on the grounds that she left employment voluntarily without just cause. Following a further review of her case her unemployment benefit claim was disallowed from 1 February on the grounds that she was not genuinely seeking work and accordingly she did not fulfil the condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit of being available for work. She appealed against the disallowance and her case has been referred to an appeals officer for consideration. An oral hearing of her appeal will be arranged to take place at the earliest opportunity and her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
602.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will made with regard to a supplementary application 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 derived from the profit from his land exceeded the statutory limit. An appeals officer also assessed him with means in excess of the statutory limit and disallowed his unemployment assistance claim. He applied for a reinvestigation of his means on 29 January 1985 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. Inquiries are still being made in this case but when these are completed the assessment of his means will be reviewed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
603.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has been unemployed since September 1984.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment as a bricklayer 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. He recently applied for a further review of the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigations. When these investigations are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
604.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an adult dependant's allowance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in respect of her husband who has no income.
The person concerned claimed an increase in the rate of unemployment assistance payable to her in respect of her husband as an adult dependant. Her application was disallowed on the grounds that her spouse did not fulfil the conditions of being an adult dependent under the provisions of the Social Welfare Acts. She appealed against the disallowance and her case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. Her entitlement to an increase for her husband as an adult dependant will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
605.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny from June 1981, as he first signed for unemployment assistance on that date.
The person concerned lodged his original application for unemployment assistance on 19 June 1981 but failed to make himself available for interview until March 1983 when his means were assessed at £30 weekly derived from self-employment in the building industry.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means at £30 weekly. As his means exceeded the maximum weekly rate of unemployment assistance payable to him, his claim was disallowed. On 20 February 1984 he made a repeat application and following inquiries by a social welfare officer his means were assessed at nil and payment of unemployment assistance was allowed on this basis.
606.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a reduced amount of unemployment assistance is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will arrange as a matter of urgency to have his case reinvestigated and an increased amount paid.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned an appeals officer on 8 March 1985 reduced the amount of means assessed against him from £62.75 to £52.75 weekly effective from 2 October 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £10.20 weekly the appropriate rate £62.95 less means £52.75. His means are derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings. All adjusting arrears will be paid to him this week and weekly payments of £10.20 will continue to be made as they become due.
607.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the correct rate of a contributory old age pension is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if the appropriate amount of arrears from last July have now been paid.
The person concerned is in receipt of a contributory old age pension at the maximum rate payable in the case of a pensioner aged 80 or over. A supplementary book containing orders payable from 6 July 1984 to 28 September 1984 to cover the cost of the increase in contributory old age pension rates granted from 6 July 1984 was issued to the designated post office in June 1984. This book was recently returned uncashed to the Department by the pensioner. The amount involved has been sent to him by payable order. The orders in the pension book issued to him for the six months period which commenced on 5 October 1984 included the amount of the increase.
608.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal against a reduction of unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
An appeals officer reduced the amount of means assessed against the person concerned from £41.15 to £40 weekly with effect from 21 November 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £59.80 the appropriate rate £99.80 less means of £40. All arrears due to him were paid on 26 February 1985 and weekly payments of £59.80 continue to be made as they become due.
609.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the decision refusing payment of a non-contributory old age pension to persons (details supplied) in County Wexford will be referred to an appeals officer in view of the fact that their assessed means are not the same as their real means.
It has been decided that the persons concerned are not entitled to an old age pension on the ground that they do not satisfy the statutory conditions as to means. Their means, each consisting of half the weekly value of capital and income from the letting of a holding, the transfer of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes, exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. There is no appeal on hands in relation to these cases. In view of the Deputy's representations, forms which will enable them to state clearly the grounds of their appeal have issued to them. On return of the completed forms their cases will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the claimants will be notified of the outcome in due course.
610.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal against the decision to disallow disability benefit from 22 May 1984 to a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be heard.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 22 May 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and he was examined on 21 August 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing as soon as possible. The claimant will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
611.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason deserted wife's benefit was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork on 13 December 1984; and when her appeal will be heard as she is suffering severe financial hardship.
One of the conditions for continued receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a claimant must continue to make reasonable efforts within the means available to her to prevail on her husband to contribute to her support and maintenance and that of their children.
The deciding officer held that this condition was not satisfied by the person concerned and terminated her benefit with effect from 13 December 1984. She recently appealed against the decision and the case is being sent to an appeals officer for hearing at the earliest possible date. Meanwhile she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Southern Health Board.
612.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether persons (details supplied) in County Wexford will be considered for 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 her on 14 March 1985. On receipt of the completed application form a decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
613.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 4 January 1985 and following investigation his means were assessed at £20.55 weekly derived from the value of capital. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £11.20 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £20.55. All arrears due to him have been paid and weekly payments of £11.20 continue to be made as they become due. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
614.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the severe financial situation that has arisen from the non-payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Louth and if he will urgently arrange to have payment made.
Owing to the failure of the person concerned to attend for medical examination on 13 February 1985, payment of disability benefit was disallowed for a statutory period of six weeks. This period is from 23 February 1985 to 5 April 1985. The disallowance can be waived if good cause for failure to attend is shown and details to establish whether this is the case have been requested from him. If in necessitous circumstances, it is open to the person concerned to claim supplementary welfare allowance from his local health board.
615.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £10.50 with effect from 18 January 1985. This is the rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children and whose weekly means exceed £34 but do not exceed £36. Her means derived from land which is let and some capital are assessed at £34.95 per week. A pension book with orders payable from 18 January 1985 was sent to the designated post office on 15 March 1985 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.
616.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of unemployment assistance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
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 has been informed accordingly. If he is now prepared to fully disclose details of his means he should inform his local office and arrangements will be made for a social welfare officer to call on him for the purpose of investigating his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
617.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in respect of a claim for unemployment assistance.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £13.85 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on a friend's holding. He is accordingly in receipt of £17.90 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £13.85. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £13.85 weekly. He has been informed accordingly.
618.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a contributory widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of widow's contributory pension is that there must be, on either the late husband's or the widow's own insurance, a yearly average of at least 39 contributions in either the last three or five contribution years prior to the husband's death (or his reaching pension age, whichever is the earlier) or a yearly average of at least 24 contributions over the period from entry into insurance up to the end of the contribution year prior to his death (or reaching pension age). The late husband in this case was a farmer and had no insurable employment for social welfare purposes. The widow herself however was insured prior to her marriage in April 1963. According to the records of the Department she had a total of 793 contributions over the period from 1947-48 (the year she entered insurance) up to the time she married. This gives a yearly average of only 22 contributions over the thirty five years from 1947-48 to 1981-82, the contribution year before her husband's death in November 1982.
She had no insurance contributions in the three or five years immediately prior to her husband's death so she does not therefore qualify under any of the three average tests. Further inquiries are however being made to see if the claimant has entitlement to any additional insurance contributions which might serve to qualify her for a pension. Her claim for a non-contributory pension was refused because her means, assessed at £57.69 per week derived from a farm holding, exceeded the limit of £44 applicable to her as a widow under 66 years with no qualified children. She was notified to this effect and of her right of appeal against the decision.
619.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the issue of social welfare benefits to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
An inspector of the Department will shortly call on the person concerned to determine the type of benefit he wishes to claim and obtain particulars of his contribution record. Following this, his benefit position will receive prompt consideration.
620.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the availability of full dental treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned is qualified for dental benefit and is entitled to obtain treatment from any dentist who is a member of the Department's panel. A list of the dentists on this panel has been issued to him together with a letter confirming his entitlement to benefit.