asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on the claim for unemployment benefit or assistance made by a person (details supplied) in Country Limerick on 7 January last; and when he will be in a position to make a decision on the application.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
30.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding, exceeded the maximum rate payable to him.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries are now complete 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 decision of the appeals officer.
31.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to the appeal made by a person (details supplied) in Country Limerick against the weekly rate of unemployment benefit being paid to him.
Arising out of contentions made by the person concerned in support of his appeal against the amount of means assessed against him, his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries are now complete and arrangements are being made to submit his case to an appeals officer for determination. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. In the mean time pending the decision of the appeals officer, weekly payments of £2.90, the appropriate rate £31.75 less means of £28.85, will continue to be made as they become due.
32.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on the unemployment assistance application of a person (details supplied) in Country Limerick; and when payment will be resumed.
Following reinvestigation, 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 with effect from 23 May 1984. He appealed but an appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He subsequently applied for a review of his means and, following investigation of his claim, his means were deemed to exceed the statutory limit. He did not appeal this decision.
33.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in processing the appeal by a person (details supplied) in Country Limerick against the departmental decision in his unemployment case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned recently appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and arising from contentions made in support of his appeal his case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries have not yet been completed. When they are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed accordingly.
34.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to the application for an old age pension made by a person (details supplied) in Country Limerick; and the means assessed against this applicant.
It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that she does not fulfil the statutory condition with regard to means. The assessment of her means consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's earnings (that is £59.51) exceeds the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
35.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to the appeal against his Department's decision on smallholder's assistance given against a person (details supplied) in Country Limerick.
Following an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim an appeals officer on 20 March 1985 also decided that his claim should be disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He was informed of this decision. In the absence of fresh evidence or new facts the decision of an appeals officer is final.
36.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in dealing with the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick against the decision of his Department in relation to his smallholder's assistance; and when the appeal will be held.
Arising out of contentions made by the person concerned in support of his appeal against the amount of means assessed against him his case was referred to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were recently completed and the case was submitted to an appeals officer for determination.
The appeals officer assessed his means at £38.45 weekly with effect from 30 January 1985. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the rate of £24.50 weekly the appropriate rate £62.95 less means £38.45. He is being notified of the decision of the appeals officer and arrears due from 30 January 1985 will be paid to him this week.
37.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting a full old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Longford as his land and herd number have been signed over since last November.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension at a higher rate than £29.05 per week, which is currently in payment and which includes an adult dependant allowance of £9.75. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital and a holding, the transfer of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes. An application for an increase, which was received on 20 May 1985 has been partially investigated. The social welfare officer expects to have her inquiries completed shortly and the case will then be referred for decision. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome.