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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1985

Vol. 361 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

275.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused a non-contributory old age pension; and if a late appeal will be allowed in this case.

It was decided on 16 August 1984 that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that his means consisting of the weekly value of capital and a holding exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. An appeal against this decision was made on 30 August 1985 and was accepted as a repeat claim. The case is at present under investigation by the social welfare officer. On completion of inquiries it will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The claimant will be notified of the outcome.

276.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £36.40 which includes £9.10 adult dependant allowance and £9.30 dependent child allowance from 25 October 1985. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of half the weekly value of a holding. The appropriate pension books payable from 25 October 1985 are in the course of issue.

277.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the rate of non-contributory old age pension payable to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reconsidered with a view to increasing it.

It was decided on 26 July 1985 that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £23.30 from 14 June 1985 increased to £26 from 12 July 1985. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means consisting of the weekly value of capital. The case has been referred to the social welfare officer for further investigation when the administration of the estate of her late husband is completed. If a revised decision is warranted the pensioner will be notified in due course.

278.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in deciding the appeal against the decision not to pay unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Arising out of contentions made by the person concerned in support of his appeal against the assessment of £38.45 means his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further investigation.

When these inquiries were completed a deciding officer in a revised decision reduced the amount of means assessed against him to £9.60 weekly. He has been advised that he can appeal against this latest assessment of his means if he is still dissatisfied. All arrears due as a result of the reduction in means were paid to him last week and weekly payments of £45.20 the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £9.60 will continue to be made as they become due.

279.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for a free telephone rental allowance which was lodged last June on behalf of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3.

An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned was approved by the Department and a notification to this effect was issued to the applicant. Telecom Éireann are aware of the decision in the case and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which the person concerned is provided with telephone service.

280.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year.

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 22 July 1985. Inquiries had to be made to establish if he had sufficient contributions, paid or credited, in the governing contribution year 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984. Inquiries were recently completed and his claim to unemployment benefit has been allowed at the weekly rate appropriate in his case of £102.40. All arrears due, less the amount of unemployment assistance paid to him pending the outcome of his claim to benefit, were paid on 10 October 1985. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.

281.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay an old age pension at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

One of the qualifying conditions for the receipt of an old age contributory pension requires the claimant to have a yearly average of at least 20 reckonable contributions from 5 January 1953 or from his year of entry into insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before he reached pension age.

The Department's records show that the person concerned has a total of 103 reckonable contributions in the relevant period which, in his case, is from 6 January 1954 to 31 December 1976. This is equal to a yearly average of only four and, therefore, he does not qualify for an old age contributory pension under the Social Welfare Acts.

Where a person has been employed in another EC country his insurance in that country may be combined with his Irish record to enable him to qualify for a pro rata pension calculated on the basis of the number of his Irish contributions in proportion to the combined total in the relevant period. The person concerned had 889 British contributions in addition to his 103 Irish and this entitles him to a pro rata old age contributory pension at the current rate of £8.55 per week. He is also in receipt of a British retirement pension.

282.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay a pension at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

It was decided on 4 March 1985 by a deciding officer that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £5.30 from 18 January 1985 increasing to £8 from 12 July 1985. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of the weekly value of a holding.

An appeal form enabling the pensioner to appeal against the decision of 4 March 1985 was issued to him on 18 April 1985 and has not been returned to date. A second form has now issued to the person and on return of same the case will be referred to an appeals officer for decision. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

283.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is not in receipt of unemployment assistance.

It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied. Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.

284.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is not receiving unemployment assistance.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment exceeded the statutory limit. He recently appealed against this disallowance and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries have been completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

285.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Clare for unemployment assistance will be heard.

Arrangements have been made for an oral hearing on 25 October 1985 of the appeal of the person concerned. His claim to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

286.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant unemployment assistance on appeal to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of his bad financial circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter, setting out the approximate date by which his appeal will be decided.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He was issued with an appeal form to enable him to appeal against the disallowance of his claim but to date has not returned the completed form to his local office. When the appeal form is received his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

287.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in providing unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the small farmers scheme in view of the fact that he was encouraged to reapply under the terms of a circular letter issued to each person who had their unemployment assistance either discontinued or reduced under the small farmers' scheme by the Minister of State at his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance in respect of his reapplication on 11 September 1985 could not be determined until inquiries regarding his means were completed.

The inquiries by a social welfare officer were recently completed and arrangements are being made to have his means assessed by a deciding officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the decision of the deciding officer.

288.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare who is married with one dependent child is not in receipt of unemployment assistance.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit.

He recently appealed against the disallowance of his claim and arrangements are being made to have his appeal referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

289.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend a free electricity allowance on compassionate grounds to a seriously ill person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who is living alone.

A free electricity allowance cannot be granted to the person concerned as the pensions which he is receiving are not among the specified payments which would enable him to qualify for this benefit.

290.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay maternity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The person concerned is entitled to payment of benefit at the weekly rate of £39.50. A cheque for £355.50 covering the period 26 August 1985 to 26 October 1985 issued to her on Tuesday, 22 October 1985. Payment will continue to issue on a weekly basis until 16 November 1985 when her entitlement ceases.

291.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be called for an oral hearing on his appeal against the decision to discontinue payment of his unemployment assistance under the small farmers' scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned appealed against the means asessment in his unemployment assistance claim and requested an oral hearing. The appeals officer, however, decided the case summarily and assessed his means at £63 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £4.05, being the appropriate rate £67.05 less means £63.

Under new arrangements introduced some months ago, it is open to the person concerned to reapply for an oral hearing. In view of the length of time which has expired since the last review, it will first be necessary to have his means reinvestigated. If he wishes to pursue this course of action, a form for this purpose can be obtained at his local employment office. In the meantime, weekly payments are continuing as they become due.

292.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £61.60 weekly effective from 9 October 1985. His means are derived from the profit from his holding. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.35 weekly, the appropriate rate £76.95 less means £61.60. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.

293.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment assistance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 4 July 1985 but on 10 July 1985 withdrew her application as she had found temporary employment. She is not signing at her local office at present. It is open to her to reapply if she now wishes to do so and a form for this purpose may be obtained at her local office.

294.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

The means of the person concerned were assessed at £12.80 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £21 being the appropriate rate in her case of £33.80 less means of £12.80. She recently appealed against the means assessment and arrangements are being made to have her case referred to an appeals officer for determination. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to her will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. Weekly payments are continuing to be made as they fall due.

295.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have a free telephone rental allowance granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the application has already been made.

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. A local officer of the Department has been requested to establish the composition of the household in question. On receipt of his reply an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.

296.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to issue a free telephone rental allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

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. Both the person concerned and his wife with whom he resides are in receipt of qualifying payments. Either of them could therefore qualify for the allowance provided the other is permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme.

An application for the allowance from the wife of the person concerned was received in the Department on 10 September 1985. The medical evidence submitted by her in support of the application is insufficient to enable a decision to be given in the case. She was therefore requested on 30 September 1985 to furnish a comprehensive medical certificate in respect of either herself or her husband. On receipt of the completed certificate in the Department an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.

297.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in having unemployment benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have had not less than 26 contributions paid since his date of entry into insurable employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 10 July 1985. He does not satisfy the contribution condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit. However, the matter of non-payment of contributions by his former employer is being investigated and when the inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed.

In the interim, unemployment assistance was paid at the weekly rate of £24.10 being the appropriate rate applicable to a single man with means of £7.65 assessed against him. All arrears of unemployment assistance due for the period 10 July 1985 to 27 August 1985 were paid to him on 18 September 1985. He ceased to sign as unemployed after August 1985.

298.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any decision has yet been made by his Department on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny against the decision of his Department to disallow unemployment assistance.

Arising out of the contentions made by the person concerned in support of his appeal against the disallowance of his application for a qualification certificate his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance, following exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit, will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision. He is at present in receipt of unemployment benefit at £92.25 weekly.

299.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any decision has yet been made on the appeal lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance.

The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £24.10 weekly which is the appropriate weekly rate of £31.75 less means of £7.65, derived from the profit from his land. He appealed against the amount of means assessed and his case was referred to an appeals officer and will be determined at the earliest opportunity and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

300.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

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 against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit and he was notified of this decision on 5 September 1985.

301.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in having a decision made on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow for unemployment assistance.

324.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the outcome of an appeal for unemployment assistance will be made known to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.

It is proposed to take questions Nos. 301 and 324 together. The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and arising from contentions raised in connection with the appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries were completed the case was referred to an appeals officer who has decided to grant him an oral hearing at a date to be arranged. He will be informed later of the venue and time of the hearing. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. He is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.

302.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance.

When the unemployment assistance claim was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means the person concerned failed to co-operate. His case has again been referred to a social welfare officer to give him a further opportunity of co-operating in the investigation of his means. When these inquiries are complete his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance, following exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit, will be determined accordingly. He is at present in receipt of unemployment benefit at £32.75 weekly.

303.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

The person concerned was assessed with means of £1.95 weekly derived from board and lodging in her father's home. She is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £29.80 weekly, the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £1.95. If she is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against her it is open to her to request a review of her means. A form for this purpose can be obtained at her local office.

304.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any decision has yet been made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for unemployment assistance.

The person concerned recently appealed against the disallowance of her unemployment assistance claim on the grounds that by failing to disclose details of her means she failed to show that her means did not exceed the statutory limit. In connection with her recent appeal she will be given a further opportunity to co-operate with the social welfare officer in the investigation of her means, and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the investigation.

305.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and how his means are being assessed.

The person concerned has been assessed with means of £41.45 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from capital. Accordingly as his means exceed the maximum rate payable to him his claim to unemployment assistance has been disallowed. If he is dissatisfied with the decision it is open to him to appeal against it and a form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.

306.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Galway has received an increase in unemployment assistance from his Department.

The person concerned appealed against the means assessment of £8.45 made in his claim to unemployment assistance. An appeals officer assessed his means, derived from board and lodgings on his brother's holding, at £7.65 weekly from 4 March 1985.

He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assisstance from 4 March 1985 at the weekly rate of £24.10 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £7.65, increased from 3 July 1985 to the weekly rate of £26.15 that is the appropriate rate £33.80 less means £7.65. All arrears due were paid on 25 June 1985 and weekly payments of £26.15 continue to be made as they become due.

307.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be granted unemployment assistance; and how his means are being assessed.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 20 February 1985 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 made a further claim to unemployment assistance on 5 September 1985 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed by a deciding officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.

308.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who applied on 1 September; and how his means are being assessed.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until the inquiries regarding his means have been completed. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.

309.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in dealing with the disability benefit appeal case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned presented his case to an appeals officer at an oral hearing on 26 June 1985. It was decided during the hearing that the person concerned should be further examined by another medical referee before a final decision was reached. This examination was held on 26 August 1985 when he was considered to be capable of work.

Accordingly the appeals officer decided that the person concerned was not incapable of work within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts during the period from 26 November 1984 to 16 September 1985 (the date of the latest medical certificate before him at the time) and is not entitled to be paid disability benefit in respect of that period. He was informed of the appeals officer's decision on 16 October 1985.

310.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.

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 referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer has decided to grant him an oral hearing and arrangements have been made to hold the hearing on 29 October 1985. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

311.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a decision in relation to the inclusion of an allowance for a dependent wife in the approved old age pension of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.

It has now been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension of £66.10 a week, which includes an allowance of £22.10 for his wife, with effect from 16 August 1985. His book at the £44 rate has been recalled for the necessary change, and on its receipt a book at the appropriate rate will be issued without delay. A payable order for the arrears due will be issued separately.

312.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in restoring unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when those payments will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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 disallowance and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were completed recently and a deciding officer in a revised decision assessed his means as nil. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £78.75 weekly, which is the appropriate maximum rate payable to him, effective from 21 August 1985. He will be paid a current weeks entitlement this week and when the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to him pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim is recouped to his local health board, any arrears due to him will be paid.

313.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been refused unemployment assistance in view of the large number of his dependants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means did not the statutory limit. He failed to supply financial particulars of his home circumstances. He recently appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to refer his case to an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

314.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department has decided on an application by a person (details supplied) for unemployment benefit as this case was under review until recently.

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 21 August 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and her case has been referred to an appeals officer for consideration. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

315.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of a children's allowance will be resumed to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

A renewal book covering payment of children's allowance from July 1985 to November 1985, when the child in question reaches 16 years, was issued in the normal course in this case. In the light of the Deputy's question, the claimant is being contacted to see if she received the book. Her entitlement will be reviewed when her reply is received. Payment from December 1985 will be considered when a duly completed application is received certifying the child's continuation in full time education. The appropriate form for this purpose has been issued.

316.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is receiving only £25 per week unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Following a re-investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £51.90 weekly derived from profit from his land. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer reduced the amount assessed to £46.15 weekly with effect from 8 May 1985.

He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance from 8 May 1985 at £26.10 weekly being the appropriate rate in his case of £72.25 less means of £46.15, increased from 3 July 1985 to £30.80 weekly, being the appropriate rate of £76.95 less means of £46.15 and all arrears due will be paid to him this week. Weekly payments of £30.80 will continue to be made to him as they become due.

317.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is signing on since 18 June 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until extensive inquiries at present being made by a social welfare officer have been completed. It is hoped to complete these inquiries shortly and his means will then be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.

318.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a substantial increase in unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is only getting £22.15 per week in view of the fact that he has neither worked nor fished in any boat since 1978; and if he will make a statement on the matter, explaining the reason he has not been paid unemployment assistance at the maximum rate.

The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him on 7 February 1985 and the case was submitted to an appeals officer. However, the appeals officer required further information before making a decision and the case was referred to the social welfare officer.

The inquiries were completed and the papers returned to the local employment exchange. It has now come to light that the papers were lost in the post and arrangements have been made for completion of duplicate papers and referral of the case to an appeals officer for determination as soon as possible. The rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

In the meantime weekly payments continue at £22.15 being the appropriate rate in his case of £33.80 less means of £11.65.

319.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against this decision and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.

These inquiries were completed and a deciding officer in a revised decision has assessed his means at £19.20 weekly effective from 2 November 1984, derived from the profit of his holding. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £10.75 weekly being the appropriate rate in his case of £29.95 less means of £19.20 from 2 November 1984 to 12 February 1985 when he ceased signing at his local office. All arrears due to him will be paid this week.

320.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of an unemployment assistance claim for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until extensive inquiries by a social welfare officer had been completed. These inquiries were recently completed and arrangements are being made to submit the case to a deciding officer for assessment of means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the decision of the deciding officer.

321.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a further six weeks payment of an old age pension will be made to a deceased pensioner's spouse (details supplied) in County Wexford.

Six week's death benefit is only payable to a dependent spouse of a deceased pensioner. The husband of the person concerned was not wholly or mainly maintained by her and accordingly is not entitled to the six weeks death benefit. A death grant of £100 was issued on 6 May 1985 in favour of the spouse of the deceased person.

322.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the amount payable to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in receipt of smallholders' assistance.

The person concerned appealed on 21 October 1985 against the means assessment in his unemployment assistance claim and arrangements are being made to refer his case to an appeals officer for determination. In the meantime, payment of unemployment assistance will continue at the weekly rate of £9.20 being the appropriate rate in his case of £33.80 less means of £24.60 derived from board and lodgings on his brother's holding. His claim will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

323.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a decision has not yet been given on the claim for unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The person concerned was assessed with means, £90.30 weekly, with effect from 30 November 1984 derived from self-employment. He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £3.85 being the appropriate rate in his case of £94.15 less means of £90.30 increased from 3 July 1985 to £9.50 being the appropriate rate in his case of £99.80 less means of £90.30. Due to an oversight however his claim was not put into payment. The error has now been rectified and payment will commence this week at £9.50. All arrears due from 30 November 1984 have been refunded to the health board in respect of the supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him. He appealed against the means assessment and arising from contentions raised in the appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries are completed the case will be referred to the appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of his decision.

Weekly payments at £9.50 will continue to be made as they become due.

325.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will approve unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing year. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 3 July 1985. However, as he was employed in the UK during the governing contribution year 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, his entitlement to unemployment benefit could not be established until inquiries had been made to ascertain his contribution record in that county. These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at £85 weekly, which is the appropriate rate payable in his case. All arrears due were paid to him last week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.

326.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will approve an appeal in relation to an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.

It was decided on 11 April 1985 that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that her means were not fully disclosed. The case is at present under consideration by an appeals officer who has requested further information from the local social welfare officer regarding a deed of transfer.

The person concerned will be notified of the appeals officer's decision in due course.

327.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be reached on the old age pension appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to old age pension on the grounds that he does not fulfil the statutory conditions as to means. The assessment of his means consisting of the weekly value of a holding (transfer of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes) and capital exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. An appeal was lodged and the case was submitted to an appeals officer who has referred it to the social welfare officer concerned requesting further details regarding the transfer of the holding. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course.

328.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding the unemployment assistance appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Following reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the person concerned was assessed with means at £26.45 weekly derived from profit from his holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an oral appeal hearing was held on 9 October 1985. The appeals officer also assessed his means at £26.45 weekly. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £31.90 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £58.35 less means £26.45.

329.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if arrears of an old age pension are due to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

The person concerned was disqualified for receipt of old age pension while in prison for the period 29 March 1984 to 20 June 1985. Pension was paid up to and including 29 March 1984 and payment was resumed from 28 June 1985. A payable order covering arrears due for the period 21 June 1985 to 27 June 1985 was issued recently.

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