asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of the appeal of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for unemployment benefit for the past six weeks; if the appeal was rejected, the reasons it was rejected; and if these persons have the right to an oral hearing.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
662.
The persons concerned appealed on 12 April 1985 against the decision of the deciding officer which disallowed their unemployment benefit claims for the period 13 March 1985 to 23 April 1985 on the grounds that they left their employment voluntarily without just cause. Arrangements are being made to have their appeals heard orally at the earliest opportunity and their entitlement to unemployment benefit for the period 13 March 1985 to 23 April 1985 will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. Unemployment benefit was allowed at the appropriate rate of £37.25 weekly in respect of both claimants from 24 April 1985 and weekly payments will continue to be made to them as they become due.
663.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of a family income supplement will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded a family income supplement at the weekly rate of £13.75 from 6 September 1984. The appropriate order book containing orders from 6 December 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 1 May 1985 and the claimant was notified accordingly on that date. A cheque in the sum of £178.75 covering payment due for the period 6 September 1984 to 5 December 1984 has also been issued to the claimant.
664.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is entitled to disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 14 March 1985. There was a delay in authorising payment while his entitlement to benefit was being examined. It has now been established that he is entitled to payment of benefit at the weekly rate of £96.55, the maximum for a married man with four dependent children, and all benefit payable in respect of his claim has been issued to 23 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
665.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange an oral hearing in the appeal for unemployment assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The appeal of the person concerned, against the means of £29.15 assessed against him was submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer considered that he had sufficient information to decide the case without an oral hearing and on 15 January 1985 also assessed the applicant with means of £29.15 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. If the person concerned considers that his circumstances have changed since his means were assessed by the appeals officer it is open to him to apply to have his case reviewed. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office. In the meantime weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £43.10 being the rate appropriate to him £72.25 less £29.15 means, continue to be made to him.
666.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a free telephone rental allowance has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in view of the fact that her three sisters and herself living in the house are in receipt of disabled persons maintenance allowance from the Midland Health Board, and their father is an old age pensioner suffering from a terminal disease.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person, in receipt of a qualifying payment, must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
The household concerned consists of five persons all of whom are in receipt of qualifying payments. Any one of them could therefore qualify for the allowance provided the other four members of the household are permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. From the information furnished this is not the case and the application from the person concerned was therefore rejected. The applicant was notified of this decision and the reasons for it on 19 April 1985.
667.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £43.45 with effect from 29 March 1985. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children. Pension books with orders payable from that date were issued to the designated post office on 1 May 1985 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. The woman's late husband had been in receipt of invalidity pension at the rate of £70.15 a week which included an increase in respect of his wife and this pension was paid to her for six weeks after his death on 8 February 1985, in place of widow's pension.
668.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit but pending clarification of his contribution record his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means to enable his entitlement to unemployment assistance to be determined. It was, however, recently established that he satisfied the contribution condition for reduced rate unemployment benefit at £33.35 weekly. All arrears of unemployment benefit due to him were paid last week and further weekly payments will be made as these become due.
669.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a prescribed relative's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been in receipt of a contributory old age pension since 18 January 1980. His wife has been in receipt of a non-contributory old age pension since 1 August 1978. She submitted a claim for a prescribed relative's allowance in respect of her son in November 1984 and as both pensioners are incapacitated persons who are in need of full time care and attention, her claim has been allowed with effect from 30 November 1984. A book containing orders for the allowance payable from 5 April 1985 has been issued to her and the arrears from 30 November 1984 will be sent to her by payable order in the next few days. A second prescribed relative's allowance would not be payable to her husband.
670.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
During the course of a routine investigation of the old age pension entitlement of the person concerned, the social welfare officer sought information in relation to bank accounts held. Despite several requests, this information has not been provided. Payment of his pension was, accordingly, suspended from 26 April 1985. If the pensioner is now prepared to furnish this information he should notify the Department to that effect and his case will be re-examined.
671.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting a free electricity allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned in respect of her new residence was approved on 12 March 1985. The ESB has advised that the allowance was applied to the electricity account at her new residence from 1 April 1985 and that the allowance which applied at her previous residence has been terminated from that date.
It is understood that the person concerned is the registered consumer at both her old and new addresses, and she would, therefore, need to contact the ESB with a view to terminating her account at her old address. When this is done, she should advise the Department so that the question of backdating the allowance at her new address may be considered.
672.
asked the Minister for social Welfare the reason maternity benefit or a grant was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The authorisation of payment of maternity benefit had to be deferred while the question of insurability of her employment was being investigated. The investigations have now been completed and the claim has been authorised for payment for a 12 week period from 12 March 1984 to 2 June 1984. A cheque covering this period will be issued on Wednesday 8 May 1985.
673.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for a long delay in paying a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £43.45 with effect from 23 November 1984, three months prior to the date of receipt of her claim. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children.
A pension book with orders payable from 3 May 1985 was sent to the designated post office for collection by her on that date. Arrears for the period from 23 November 1984 to 2 May 1985, less disabled persons maintenance allowance paid to her by the South Eastern Health Board during the same period, will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order. It was necessary before a pension could be awarded in this case to establish the late husband's social insurance history. The claimant was unable to supply any details regarding his employment and it took some time to trace his insurance record.
674.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the arrears entitlement of old age pensioners to living alone allowance payments where it is only subsequently that the pensioner realises their living alone allowance entitlement; how far back arrears can be backdated in this regard; and if they cannot be backdated to when the pensioner was 66 years old, the reason for this decision.
In the case of old age pensioners, when an application for pension is made, their full entitlements are examined and if it is found that the applicant is living alone, the allowance is put into payment when pension is being awarded. If a pensioner applies late for a pension, the pension and any increases such as the living alone allowance, are paid from the date of receipt of the claim. This is in accordance with the relevant legislation.
If a pensioner is not living alone at the date of application, but subsequently finds himself living alone it is open to him to apply for the increase which is payable in such cases. The increases are normally paid from the date of receipt of the application which is consistent with the manner in which claims to pension are dealt with generally. In certain cases, however, such as where the husband has died, retrospective payment of the living alone allowance is made for a period not exceeding three months or from the date of death of the spouse whichever is the later. All cases are dealt with on their own merits. If the Deputy has any specific case in mind he should send the details to the Department and the matter will be examined.
675.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a widow (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be reassessed for a non-contributory widow's pension in view of her low income and the appeal she lodged recently.
The person concerned was awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £10.50 with effect from 20 July 1984. 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 a two-third intestacy interest in a holding, and capital, were assessed at £34.62. She appealed against the decision and the case was referred to the local social welfare officer to review the assessment of means in the light of the statement submitted by the widow in support of her appeal. When the officer's report is received the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
676.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded unemployment assistance payments; and, if so, when and at what rate.
Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned she was assessed with means of 25p weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in her parent's home. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £29.70 weekly the appropriate rate £29.95 less means 25p. All arrears due to her will be paid this week and weekly payments of £29.70 will continue to be made as they become due.
677.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Clare for a non-contributory widow's pension.
Following a recent decision by an appeals officer the person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the increased weekly rates of £13.85 per week from 1 June 1984 (the day after her husband's death), £16.50 from 6 July 1984 and £19.15 from 12 July 1985 (formerly £7.85, £10.50 and £13.15 respectively).
These are the rates of pension payable to a widow under 66 years with no qualified children whose weekly means exceed £28 but do not exceed £30. Her means, derived from a farm holding, were assessed by the appeals officer at £28.84 a week. She has been asked to return the pension order book for £10.50 per week which she presently holds and as soon as it is received a book at the higher rates, payable from the Friday following the last order cashed in her old book, will be sent to the designated post office for collection by her. Arrears in respect of the period 1 June 1984 to the date of the last order cashed in the book will then be sent direct to her by payable order.
678.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 15 March 1985. Payment was not authorised however, as he submitted an incomplete medical certificate in support of his claim. The certificate was returned to him for completion and payment was authorised when it was returned to the Department duly completed. All benefit payable in respect of his claim has now been issued to 30 April 1985, after which he was certified to resume work.
679.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the oral hearing on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to discontinue payment of his unemployment assistance; and if he will arrange the hearing of this appeal for Killarney, on a Monday or a Friday if at all possible.
The appeal of the person concerned against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit, was submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer directed that the applicant be written to inviting him to submit a statement in support of his appeal. The applicant did not reply and the appeals officer on 3 April 1984 summarily decided the case and also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. In the absence of fresh evidence or new facts the decision of an appeals officer is final.
680.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath can be considered for long term disability benefit; and the reason for the very small amount of money which he is receiving weekly.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit from 2 April 1984, fourth day of incapacity. He is being paid at £37.25 per week, the maximum rate payable. All disability benefit payable to 11 May 1985 has been issued. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit as his weekly flat rate benefit exceeds 75 per cent of his reckonable weekly earnings in the 1981-82 income tax year which governs his claim.
One of the conditions for the receipt of invalidity pension is that the claimant must be considered to be permanently incapable of work. Arrangements have been made to have the person concerned examined by a medical referee on 20 May 1985. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
681.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a deserted wife's allowance.
The reapplication of the person concerned for a deserted wife's payment is at present with a local officer of the Department for investigation. He expects to call on her within a week or so and when his report is received a decision will be given without delay and the claimant will be notified of the outcome. In the meantime she is in receipt of unemployment assistance for herself and three qualified children.
682.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Arrears of unmarried mother's allowance for the period from 23 August 1984 (the Thursday following the birth of her child) up to the time of her marriage on 1 February 1985 will be sent to the person concerned shortly. It will, however, be necessary to establish the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during the period by the Southern Health Board and this amount will be deducted from the arrears due to her.
683.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been reached on the appeal for unemployment assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned did not appeal against the means assessment but applied for a reinvestigation of his means and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. Those inquiries have now been completed and a deciding officer has reassessed his means at £54.65 a week derived from the capital value of a second house and from the profit from his holding.
He is accordingly entitle to unemployment assistance at £4.75 weekly being the maximum rate payable £59.40 less £54.65 means. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
684.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been reached on an appeal for an old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
The appeal of the person concerned against the decision which awarded her a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £11.30 has been disallowed. An appeals officer confirmed that her weekly means, derived from a British pension, are in the range exceeding £34 but not exceeding £36 and £11.30 is the appropriate rate for a widow with such means who has no qualified children and is over 66 and under 80 years of age.
The decision of an appeals officer is final and conclusive and is only subject to review should there be a material change in the claimant's circumstances. She has also claimed a living alone allowance and a local officer was asked to confirm that she is living entirely alone. When his report is received a decision will be given on this claim without delay and she will be notified of the outcome.
685.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free telephone rental allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age, or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
The person concerned is residing with her husband and sister-in-law who are also in receipt of qualifying payments. Anyone of the three could, therefore, qualify for the allowance provided the other two members of the household are permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. As the medical evidence submitted with the application is insufficient to enable a decision be given in the case, the applicant was requested on 13 February 1985 to submit more comprehensive medical evidence in support of her claim. On receipt of this medical evidence in the Department an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
686.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been reached on an appeal for an increase of unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned appealed against the means assessment in his case and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £36.15 weekly derived from benefit from his father's holding. He was notified accordingly. He applied for a review of assessment of his means and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for a further investigation. These inquiries were recently completed and his means were again assessed at £36.15 weekly. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £18.65 being the appropriate rate £54.80 less £36.15 means, continue to be made to him as they become due.
687.
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 an applicant for unemployment benefit. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit is governed by her contribution record during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984. The deciding officer was not satisfied that her employment in that period was appropriate to a class of contribution which provides cover against unemployment and inquiries are at present being made to establish the insurability of her employment. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome of the inquiries. She was advised of her right to claim unemployment assistance pending the outcome of her unemployment benefit claim but she declined to do so.
688.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a disability pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is off work due to illness since 1982.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 25 April 1983 and payment was issued to 25 April 1984 based on his contribution record in the 1981-82 contribution year. He was not entitled to payment of benefit from 26 April 1984 as according to the records of the Department he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1982-83 contribution year which governed his claim from that date.
He has 49 contributions credited in the 1983-84 contribution year which governs his claim from 7 January 1985 and accordingly he is requalified for payment of benefit from that date. The matter has now been rectified and all benefit payable in respect of his claim, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the Eastern Health Board, has been issued to 24 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
689.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a prisoner's wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose husband is in prison since 11 February 1985, and who has two children.
The claim of the person concerned to a prisoner's wife's allowance is with a local officer of the Department for investigation. When inquiries are completed and the officer's report received a decision will be given and the claimant will be notified. The officer hopes to call on her within the next week. In the meantime she is receiving supplementary welfare allowance from the Eastern Health Board.
690.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for free telephone rental made by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The wife of the person concerned was approved for a free telephone rental allowance with effect from 11 March 1985. She was notified accordingly on 25 April 1985. Telecom Éireann have been informed of the decision in this case and will arrange to apply the allowance to the applicant's telephone account.
691.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will urgently review the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for continued payment of social welfare disability benefit; if he will arrange to have him called as a matter of urgency before another medical referee in view of his serious back injury which now has him housebound; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 3 April 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 17 May 1985. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will bereviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
692.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review immediately the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for an invalidity pension in view of the fact that he resigned from his employment on the grounds of ill health, which was medically certified and accepted and also on the grounds that he is seriously ill at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 22 November 1983 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
The person concerned was examined in March last by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work. He is therefore not qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension. If the person concerned is dissatisfied with this decision it is open to him to forward a detailed report from his doctor. On receipt of this report the question as to whether he is permanently incapable of work will be reviewed by the medical adviser of the Department.
693.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when all arrears of disability benefit plus maternity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 11 March 1985. She was not qualified for benefit initially, as according to the records of the Department she had no contributions paid or credited since 1980-81.
It has now been established that the person concerned has sufficient contributions paid to qualify for payment of benefit and all disability benefit payable to 22 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to her. Payment of pay-related benefit has also been issued to her from 1 April 1985, the nineteenth day of incapacity. She has not submitted a claim for maternity allowance.
694.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when maternity benefit and arrears of social welfare will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement as to the cause of the delay in this case.
Payment of maternity benefit has been approved in this case for a 14 week period from 15 April 1985, the date from which the person concerned chose to take her maternity leave. A cheque covering the period from 15 April 1985 to 1 May 1985 will be issued on Tuesday 7 May and further payments will be made at regular weekly intervals as they fall due.
695.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a husband and wife (details supplied) in County Cork were refused a non-contributory old age pension as they have no 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. The assessments of their means, each consisting of half the weekly value of capital (the disposal of a large part of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes) exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
696.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 is no longer receiving unemployment benefit; and if he will investigate this matter urgently.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 January 1985. Benefit has been issued from this date up to 29 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received. There was a delay, caused by the late receipt of medical certificates, in issuing payment for the period 19 March to 1 April 1985. Payment for this period, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, was issued on 16 April 1985. All disability benefit and pay-related benefit payable to 29 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
697.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to 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 self-employment exceeded £3,842.80 per annum being the statutory limit applicable to his claim. He has been notified of the decision in his case and of his right of appeal to have his means determined by an appeals officer.
698.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until the inquiries at present being made by a social welfare officer have been completed. When the investigations are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
699.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when social welfare benefit at the full pay-related rate and all arrears due will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is married with four qualified children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit from 20 March 1985, fourth day of incapacity. He is being paid at £95.20 per week, the appropriate rate payable to a married man with four dependent children, who has between 41 and 47 reckonable contributions in the 1983-84 year which governs his claim. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of disability benefit payable exceeds 75 per cent of his reckonable weekly earnings in the 1983-84 income tax year. All disability benefit payable to 30 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
700.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when social welfare disability benefit and occupational injury benefit at the full rate for a married man with three qualified children will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter, indicating the pay-related benefit he is entitled to.
The person concerned submitted a first medical certificate dated 21 March 1985 claiming injury benefit in respect of an incapacity resulting from an occupational accident on 15 March. Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was paid disability benefit at the personal rate on an interim basis from 21 March, the fourth day of incapacity. Pay-related benefit was also paid from 8 April, the nineteenth day of incapacity. Increases in respect of his dependants were not paid in the absence of a completed claim form.
On completion of investigations, injury benefit was allowed from the date of the accident, including increases in respect of his dependants and injury benefit over and above the benefit paid on an interim basis has been paid. The rate of injury benefit exceeds 75 per cent of his reckonable weekly earnings in the relevant tax year, 1983-84, and pay-related benefit is not therefore payable.
701.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of arrears of a single parent's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare.
A payable order for the arrears of social assistance allowance due to her, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Eastern Health Board, has now been sent to the person concerned. Before the arrears could be issued it was necessary to ascertain from the health board the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid by them.
702.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan commenced receipt of disability benefit; and the reason he has now been notified that he is no longer entitled to benefit.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 9 May 1984 to 7 May 1985, a total of 52 weeks. Where a claimant has less than 156 contributions paid since his entry into insurable employment, payment of disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks. According to the records of the Department the person concerned has a total of 154 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment. He therefore exhausted his entitlement to benefit on 7 May 1985. He was notified accordingly on 9 April 1985.
703.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is entitled to unemployment benefit.
The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit at the combined weekly rate of £106.57 since 21 December 1984. He applied for permission to sign retrospectively as unemployed during the period 4 September 1984 to 20 December 1984 other than the number of days in which he was a patient in hospital. Having considered the explanation furnished by him and in the light of his contention that he did not receive the notification of disallowance of his disability benefit claim permission was recently granted to him to sign as unemployed during the period. Arrangements are being made for the early payment of arrears of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit due to him.
704.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who has been signing for unemployment assistance for seven weeks has not received payment.
The entitlement to unemployment assistance of the person concerned cannot be determined until he co-operates with the social welfare officer and furnishes details of his wife's income to enable his means to be assessed. His case has, however, been referred again to the social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity of co-operating in the investigations of his case. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the outcome of the investigations.
705.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has not received unemployment benefit for the past 13 weeks.
The person concerned is an applicant for unemployment assistance. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means but following inquiries in the matter his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish full details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and his case has been returned to the social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity to co-operate in the investigation of his case and to disclose details of his means. His case will be referred to the appeals officer for determination when these inquiries are completed.
706.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be paid pay-related injury benefit for November 1984.
The claim of the person concerned to occupational injury benefit from 12 October 1984 was disallowed and treated as a claim to disability benefit. Payment was issued from 16 October 1984, fourth day of incapacity to 12 January 1985, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. He was also paid pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £20.50 from 2 November 1984, ninteenth day of incapacity. He again claimed disability benefit from 15 April 1985 and all benefit payable in respect of this claim has been issued to 25 April 1985 the date of the latest medical certificate received.
707.
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 Clare.
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 rate payable to him. He appealed against the disallowance and an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the rate payable to him. He recently requested a review of his means and a deciding officer on 2 May 1985 again assessed him with means exceeding the rate payable to him and disallowed his unemployment assistance claim.
708.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for payment of the maximum rate of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The application for increase in the rate of old age pension of the person concerned has been partially investigated by the social welfare officer. It is expected that his inquiries will be completed shortly and the claim will be decided on. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
709.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an appeal for an increase in unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The appeal of the person concerned against the disallowance of her claim to unemployment assistance was submitted to an appeals officer for determination. He assessed her with means of £15 weekly effective from 12 July 1984. All arrears due to her were paid in January this year.
Following a further review of her claim her means were re-assessed at £7.65 weekly effective from 14 December 1984. She was accordingly entitled to £23.25 weekly the appropriate rate £30.90 less means £7.65. All adjusting arrears due to her were paid on 25 April 1985 and weekly payments of £23.25 continue to be made as they become due.
710.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the maximum rate of unemployment assistance to be paid to 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 profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed and an appeals officer assessed his means at £90 weekly with effect from 18 July 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £4 being the appropriate rate £94 less means £90. All arrears due have been paid and weekly payments will follow as these become due.
He recently obtained an application form at his local office for the purpose of having his means reinvestigated. When he returns this form his case will be referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries after which the assessment of his means will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
711.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) will not receive unemployment benefit even though she paid contributions for the last six years; and the reason for the undue delay in making payment.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 9 April 1985 and her entitlement to benefit is governed by her contribution record during the contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984. During that period she has only four weeks of insurable employment in respect of which Irish contributions were paid and accordingly she does not satisfy the contribution condition of having at least 26 paid or credited contributions in the relevant contribution period and her unemployment benefit claim was disallowed.
The EC Regulations provide that contributions paid by an applicant in another member state may be invoked to determine entitlement to unemployment benefit where the applicant was last employed in the member state in which she is claiming unemployment benefit. The person concerned is not eligible to invoke her British contribution record for the purpose of her unemployment benefit claim as she was last employed in Great Britain.
712.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for unemployment benefit will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 13 November 1984, following an 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 18 February 1985 by a different medical referee who again considered her to be capable of work.
The claimant was advised of this decision and supplied with a form of appeal on 21 February 1985. There is no trace of the completed form having been received in the Department. A further form of appeal was issued on 3 May 1985 and when the completed form is received her claim will be referred to an appeals officer.
713.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 5 March 1985 and following inquiries her claim was disqualified up to 11 April 1985 on the grounds that she lost her employment through her own misconduct.
Her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 12 April 1985 could not be determined until inquiries to establish that she fulfilled the conditions of being available for work were completed. These investigations were recently completed and her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She was advised of these decisions and of her right to appeal against the disallowance of her unemployment benefit claims.
714.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be fully available for and genuinely seeking work. When the person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 12 December 1984 she stated that she was only seeking part-time work and consequently her claim was disallowed. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing on 22 March 1985 but the appeal officer also decided that she was not available for employment. She was notified of the decision on 28 March 1985. She continued to sign the unemployment register and following inquiries to establish her availability for work from 23 March 1985 her claim was again disallowed. She has been notified of the decision and of her right to appeal.
715.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 1 April 1985. A total of £269.45 supplementary welfare allowance was advanced to him by the Midland Health Board and his disability benefit entitlement for the period 4 April to 22 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, amounting to £213.74 was withheld and refunded to the health board. The outstanding balance of £55.71 will be recovered by weekly deductions of £6.96 if he should continue to claim disability benefit.
716.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded payment of the family income supplement scheme; and, if so, when.
The person concerned has been awarded a family income supplement at the weekly rate of £11.50 from 11 April 1985. The appropriate order book will issue to the designated post office within the next few days and the person concerned will be notified accordingly.
717.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that no further action is taken in relation to the tragic circumstances relating to a children's allowance book payment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned appears to have been in receipt of childrens allowances since 1970 in respect of a child who, on the basis of information which recently came to the Department, died in 1972. As there may be a substantial overpayment involved, the matter must be investigated. Nevertheless the factors outlined in the representations will be borne in mind and the necessary inquiries will be conducted as discreetly as possible.
718.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of social welfare injury benefit.
A completed claim form for injury benefit was received on 24 April 1985 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 11 April 1985. Pending the completion of investigations resulting from the accident disability benefit was awarded on an interim basis from 16 April, the fourth day of incapacity, and has been paid to the date of the latest medical certificate received.
An inquiry to confirm details of the accident has been issued to the employers. A decision on the claim will be given as soon as possible.
719.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded increased payments of unemployment assistance in view of the fact he has no other income and is receiving no payment from his parents.
The person concerned made a repeat claim to unemployment assistance on 15 January 1985, and he is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £16.30 weekly the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £13.65. He is being paid on the basis of a previously held qualification certificate. He did not appeal against the amount of means assessed against him. However, his case was recently referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of his means and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of these inquiries.
720.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid social welfare injury benefit as he is sending in certificates to his Department since 11 March 1985.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 9 March 1985 but is not qualified for payment as there are no contributions recorded on his behalf since his entry into insurance. He has been requested to forward details of his employment and on receipt of these particulars his claim will be reviewed.
721.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary since 3 April 1985; when these payments will be made; and the amount which will be paid.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit from 3 April 1984 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an occupational accident on 2 March 1984. Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was awarded disability benefit on an interim basis from 6 April, the fourth day of incapacity, and pay-related benefit from 24 April, the nineteenth day of incapacity.
His employers failed to confirm the occupational accident and the matter was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Following confirmation of the accident, injury benefit was awarded and has been paid over and above the disability benefit paid in respect of the period from 3 April 1984 to 30 August 1984, the end of the injury benefit period.
There was a delay in payment of disability benefit in respect of the period from 2 April 1985 to 4 May due to his governing year's contributions having been returned at contribution class K, which do not reckon for disability benefit. Following investigations which revealed that the contributions were properly class A contributions the claim was re-admitted for payment. Arrears of disability and pay-related benefit in respect of the period less a sum of £225 refunded to the health board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced were paid by cheque for £223.34.
722.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 24 September 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 15 November 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.
723.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if all arrears have been paid.
It was decided by an appeals officer on 1 August 1984 that the person concerned was not incapable of work during the period 26 January 1984 to 9 July 1984 (the date of the latest medical certificate before him at that time). He continued to submit medical evidence of incapacity and his claim from 10 July 1984 was also disallowed.
He appealed against the disallowance and he was examined on 7 January 1985 by a medical referee who 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.
724.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 30 July 1984 following examination by a medical referee who considered him to be capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and he was examined on 11 September 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of the case on 8 May 1985.
725.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the recent reduction in disability benefit payable to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the rate at which he is entitled to disability benefit; and when arrears will be paid.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 18 February 1983. In view of the duration of his incapacity it was recently decided to transfer his claim to the payments system where benefit is issued at regular weekly intervals on receipt of monthly medical certificates. However, as a result of an administrative error during the change-over his weekly rate of payment was reduced from £96.55 to £70.25. The matter was later rectified and all arrears payable were issued on 26 April 1985.
Disability benefit is paid to the person concerned at the weekly rate of £96.55 and all benefit payable in respect of his claim has been issued to date.
726.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 June 1981. All benefit payable has been issued to 4 May 1985 in accordance with medical certificates received and there does not appear to have been any break in payment. Payment of disability benefit will continue to issue to her at weekly intervals on receipt of monthly medical certificates while she remains unfit for work.
727.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in receipt of only £61.40 per week for himself, his wife and two children.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 30 January 1985 and payment was issued at the weekly rate of £61.40 the maximum rate for a married man. However, as a result of an administrative error payment was not authorised in respect of two qualified children. The matter has now been rectified and the arrears payable for the period 2 February to 1 May 1985 were issued on 3 May 1985. All benefit payable in respect of his claim has been issued to 1 May 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
728.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will approve an application for an increase in unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned recently applied for a review of his means and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Inquiries are not yet completed and when they are his unemployment assistance claim will be reviewed accordingly. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £28.15 being the appropriate rate, £51.70 less means £23.55.
729.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The application of the person concerned to an old age non-contributory pension which was received on 16 April 1985 has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When inquiries have been completed the case will be decided on, and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
730.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to a widow's non-contributory pension is at present under investigation and the local officer hopes to complete his inquiries within the next week or so. When his report is received, a decision will be given in the case without delay and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
731.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Unemployment assistance cannot be paid to any person who is not the holder of a Qualification Certificate. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. The social welfare officer called to interview him regarding his means but he was not available for interview.
He recently agreed to make himself available and his case was returned to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
732.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an increase in unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned applied for a review of his means on 23 January 1985 but was not available for interview when the social welfare officer called to see him. On 12 April 1985 he intimated that he would make himself available for interview and the papers were returned to the social welfare officer. The inquiries are not yet completed and when they are the assessment of his means will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable determined accordingly. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £1.45 being the appropriate rate payable £31.75 less means £30.30.
733.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
Following an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned against the disallowance of her unemployment benefit claim an appeals officer decided that she satisfied the condition of being available for work and allowed her claim. She is a postal applicant and arrangements have been made to issue an order for encashment at her local post office paying all arrears due to her this week. Further weekly payments at £32.75 will be made as they become due.
734.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois as her appeal was heard recently.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's allowance, with effect from 31 May 1984, at the maximum weekly rate of £37.85 (increased to £40.50 from 5 July 1984) for a woman under 66 years of age with no qualified children.
An order book at £36.50 per week payable from 9 May 1985 (£4 per week is being withheld against an earlier over-payment incurred by the claimant) has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 31 May 1984 to 8 May 1985 are being offset against supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Midland Health Board during that time and the balance against the overpayment.
735.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 17 April to 23 April 1985, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. His claim was received in the Department on 25 April 1985 and all benefit payable in respect of his claim was issued on 30 April 1985.
736.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of disability benefit, plus arrears of pay-related benefit of £5.40 per week, will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit from 12 March 1985, fourth day of incapacity. He is being paid at £35.90 per week, the appropriate rate payable to a person who has between 41-47 contributions in the 1983-84 year which governs his claim. He is also in receipt of pay-related benefit at £5.40 per week from 29 March 1985, the nineteenth day of incapacity. All disability and pay-related benefit payable to 16 April 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.