asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 qualifies for a disabled persons maintenance allowance and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
78.
An application for a disabled persons maintenance allowance from the person referred to was received by the Eastern Health Board some days ago. It will be examined by the board in the normal way.
79.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an increase in his non-contributory old age pension.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to increased old age pension at the weekly rate of £39.40 which includes £3.40 living alone allowance from 16 August 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 British retirement pension. The appropriate pension books payable from 13 September 1985 have been issued and a payable order covering arrears for the period 16 August 1985 to 6 September 1985 was issued on 8 October 1985.
80.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
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. According to the Department's records there are no contributions paid or credited for the person concerned during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governs entitlement to unemployment benefit on her claim of 22 July 1985. She informed her local office that she was employed for the full year in question and inquiries are being made to establish her contribution record for that year. When these inquiries have been completed her claim for unemployment benefit will be determined.
She was advised to apply for unemployment assistance in July 1985 but she declined to do so until recently and her case was then referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. Those inquiries are now complete and arrangements are being made to submit her case to a deciding officer for assessment of her means. Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against her.
81.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has been signing since April 1985.
The entitlement to unemployment benefit of the person concerned could not be determined until protracted inquiries had been made to establish his contribution record in the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, which governed his claim of 2 May 1985. These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum weekly rates appropriate in his case of £37.25 from 2 May 1985 increased to £39.50 from 4 July 1985. All arrears due less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him pending the outcome of his claim will be paid this week.
He will exhaust 156 days unemployment benefit on 2 November 1985 and as he does not fulfil the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in the seven year period prior to the date of his claim to enable him to receive maximum rate of unemployment benefit for the full period of 390 days, his weekly rate of unemployment benefit will be reduced to £32.75 from 4 November 1985. According to the records of this Department he had only 264 paid contributions in the seven year period. However, inquiries are being made to establish his contribution record during the period 6 April 1984 to 5 April 1985 and when these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit at the higher rate will be reviewed.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a full old age pension is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has a dependent wife; the amount now being paid; and the amount which will be paid in the future.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £66.10 from 26 July 1985 (date of deed of transfer) which includes an adult dependant allowance of £22.10 in respect of his wife. The appropriate pension book payable from 26 July 1985 issued on 26 September 1985.
83.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded a non-contributory old age pension; and, if so, the date and rate of payment.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated. When inquiries have been completed it will be referred to a deciding officer for decision and the claimant will be notified of the outcome without delay.
84.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision on an appeal for unemployment assistance will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of her means she failed to show that her means did not exceed the statutory limit. The appeals officer to whom her appeal was referred, requested that a letter issue to her advising her of the necessity to co-operate in the investigation of her means in order to qualify for a qualification certificate. She replied to this letter recently and her case has again been referred to an Appeals Officer who will deal with the matter at the first available opportunity. Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in deciding upon the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding his entitlement to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter and indicate when he will be paid unemployment assistance at the maximum rate.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and the case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer, however, requested further information and it was necessary to return the case to the social welfare officer to obtain the information. When the inquiries are completed, his case will be dealt with at the first available opportunity and when his means have been determined by an appeals officer his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed accordingly. He last signed at his local office on 1 October 1985.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in restoring unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when this money will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 22 January 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 7 June 1985. The appeals officer also decided that she was not available for work and she was notified of that decision. She ceased to sign as unemployed at her local office after 19 March 1985.
Question No. 87 withdrawn.
88.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the refusal of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 12 August 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 26 September 1985. The appeals officer also decided that she was not available for employment. She continued to sign the unemployment register after the date of the appeals officer's decision and inquiries are being made to establish if she now fulfils the condition of being available for employment. When these inquiries are completed her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 27 September 1985 will be determined.
89.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if payment of the maximum rate of unemployment assistance will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following a review of his unemployment assistance claim the person concerned was assessed with means of £32.85 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on his brother-in-law's holding, from the value of capital, and from self-employment. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer on 10 October 1985 also assessed his means at £32.85 weekly. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at 95p weekly being the appropriate rate in his case of £33.80 less means of £32.85.
90.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay a non-contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A repeat claim to old age pension from the person concerned is currently under investigation. On completion of inquiries the case will be referred to a deciding officer for decision without delay.
91.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit payments will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when his case was submitted to an appeals officer; and when a decision will be made.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 17 June 1985 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His case was referred on 13 September 1985 to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of his claim as soon as possible. The person concerned will be notified of the time and place fixed for the oral hearing as soon as the arrangements have been finalised. He will then be notified of the outcome of his appeal immediately a decision is to hand.
92.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon and the date of application.
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 from 6 August 1985 and, as according to the Department's records he had only 11 credited contributions during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, which governed his entitlement to unemployment benefit from 6 August 1985, his claim was disallowed. He stated he had been employed during this governing period and the matter of non-payment of contributions by his former employer is being investigated. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed.
Pending the outcome of these inquiries he made an application for unemployment assistance on 6 August 1985, and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. These inquiries are now complete and his case is being submitted to a deciding officer for assessment of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against him.
93.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the full rate of non-contributory old age pension will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who no longer has access to capital which was the original source of the reduction in his pension.
The person concerned is receiving an old age pension at the weekly rate of £33.40 which includes a living alone allowance of £3.40. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of the weekly value of capital and a half share in a holding.
The Deputy's representations have been accepted as an application for an increase in pension on behalf of the person concerned. The case is being forwarded to a social welfare officer for investigation. On completion of inquiries it will be referred to a deciding officer for decision and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
94.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo whose unemployment assistance is under appeal since 13 June 1985.
An oral hearing of the unemployment assistance appeal of the person concerned is due to take place on 31 October 1985 and he has been notified accordingly. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
95.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given on an unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo which is with his Department since 4 April 1985.
An appeals officer has decided to grant, to the person concerned, an oral hearing of his case on 31 October 1985. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
96.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an oral hearing will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who appealed against the decision to terminate payment of unemployment assistance.
An appeals officer has decided to grant an oral hearing to the person concerned. He will be notified of the date, time and venue for the hearing when the arrangements have been made.
97.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for disability benefit to be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and as this case is now under appeal if he will arrange for an urgent favourable reply.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 6 July 1985 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of her claim as soon as possible. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of her appeal immediately a decision is to hand.
98.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self-employment, exceeded the statutory limit. If he is dissatisfied with this decision it is open to him to appeal and have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose was issued to him by his local office but he has not so far returned it.
99.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £31.75 weekly which is the appropriate maximum rate payable to her. Weekly payments commenced on 17 September 1985 and all arrears due to her were paid on 1 October 1985. Weekly payments of £31.75 will continue to be made as they become due.
100.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the discontinuance of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if some of the relevant documentation has been lost by his Department; the reason this money was paid from 17 May 1984 to 28 June 1984 and then stopped; if he is aware of the severe hardship to the person and his family because of the ensuing loss; if he will arrange to have his money restored with retrospective effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 5 October 1982 to 25 July 1983. Payment of benefit was disallowed from 26 July 1983 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He was subsequently examined on three different occasions by medical referees who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His case was submitted to an appeals officer who decided that the person concerned was not incapable of work during the period from 26 July 1983 to 4 September 1984, after which date he was certified fit to resume work, and is not entitled to payment of disability benefit in respect of that period. According to the records of the Department no documentation has been lost. Payment was issued to the claimant for the period from 12 May 1984 to 13 June 1984 as a result of an administrative error.
101.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for compensation to be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who has an 11 year old foster daughter but found out about his right to claim children's allowance recently and has only been paid the allowance from August 1985.
A claim for children's allowance was made by the wife of the person concerned in June 1985 in respect of a foster child who came to reside with them in March 1977.
The regulations governing payment of children's allowance provide that, in order to obtain payment from the earliest possible date, a claim must be made within three months of the birth of the child or within three months of the date the child comes to reside in the household. Where the claim is not made within this period payment can only be made from the month following that in which the claim was made.
It was not considered that there were any exceptional or extenuating circumstances for the delay in making the claim and the claim accordingly was awarded from July 1985.
102.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment benefit will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries had been made to establish that she fulfilled the condition of being available for work. These inquiries were recently completed and her claim has been allowed at the appropriate rate applicable in her case, of £32.75 weekly. All arrears due will be paid this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
103.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be transferred from disability benefit to invalidity pension.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to the person concerned and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
104.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 5 October 1985 and his claim was allowed at £102.40 weekly, being the appropriate rate applicable to a married man with four dependants. All arrears due were paid last week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision on unemployment assistance will be given for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
An appeals officer has given a decision in this case, but he has raised a query regarding the effective date of certain changes in the circumstances of the person concerned. To answer the query raised it was necessary to refer the case to a social welfare officer and it is expected that the necessary inquiries will be completed shortly.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £57.75 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £76.95 less means of £19.20. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
106.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Following a review of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed, effective from 4 October 1985, at £49 weekly, derived from benefit from his wife's earnings. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £57.25, being the appropriate rate in his case of £106.25 less means of £49.
He was advised of his right to appeal against the means assessment and have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office. Weekly payments are continuing to be made as they become due.
107.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned who is a postal applicant for unemployment assistance was issued on 23 October 1985 with all arrears due to her, less an amount refunded to the health board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to her. She was assessed with effect from 25 June 1985 with means of £11.05 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging on her parents' holding.
She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £18.90 from 25 June 1985 being the appropriate rate in her case of £29.95 less means of £11.05. increased to £20.70 from 3 July 1985 being the appropriate rate of £31.75 less means of £11.05. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they fall due.
108.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay the maximum rate of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £32.05 from 3 May 1985 (date of deed of transfer of business) which includes an adult dependant allowance of £10.75. The rate was increased to £36.10 from 12 July 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 capital and his wife's British retirement pension.
109.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay a death grant to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
A cheque for £100, the maximum grant payable, issued to the person concerned on 23 August 1985.
110.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay the maximum rate of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The rate of unemployment benefit payable to an applicant is reduced after 156 days of benefit where he does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in a seven year period.
The person concerned was in receipt of flat rate unemployment benefit at the maximum rate appropriate in his case until 20 September 1985 when he exhausted 156 days of benefit. He does not satisfy the contribution condition for further payment at the maximum rate and accordingly his weekly rate of unemployment benefit was reduced from £85 to £73.85 from 21 September 1985 and he is at present in receipt of payment at this rate.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit, flat rate unemployment benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of an applicant. He is not, accordingly, entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of flat rate unemployment benefit being paid to him exceeds £40.98 which is the 85 per cent limit applicable in his case.
111.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay the maximum rate of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed from 25 September 1985, with means of £22.60 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging in his father's home and from self-employment. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £9.15 weekly, which is the appropriate rate in his case of £31.75 less means of £22.60.
If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal against the decision and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
112.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who normally receives £29.05 per week disability benefit on weekly certificates has had her weekly payment reduced to £9.70; the reason procedure in his Department does not allow for an explanation to be provided to the public automatically in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 17 June 1985 and payment issued from 20 June 1985, the fourth day of incapacity, at the weekly rate of £18.63 the maximum rate appropriate to a widow who is also in receipt of a widows pension. Her disability benefit increased to £19.75 per week from 8 July 1985 in line with budget increases. Pay-related benefit also issued at the weekly rate of £9.30 from 8 July 1985, the 19th day of incapacity.
Regulations provide that payment of disability benefit may not be made to persons aged 66 and over. The person concerned attained 66 years on 3 October 1985. A cheque for £29.05, disability benefit and pay-related benefit for the period from 24 September 1985 to 30 September 1985, issued on 3 October 1985. An adjustment cheque for £9.70, the remaining disability benefit and pay-related benefit payable from 1 October 1985 to 3 October 1985, was accordingly issued on 9 October 1985. The person concerned was informed that she was not entitled to further payment of benefit after 3 October 1985.
113.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will examine the unemployment benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who was made redundant in August 1983 but who immediately took up further employment and who has paid full contributions since the age of 16; if the current payments being made are correctly calculated and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment benefit claim of 19 September 1985 of the person concerned was allowed at £39.50 weekly being the maximum rate payable to a single person. In addition she is entitled to pay-related benefit of £22.82 weekly based on her reckonable earnings in the relevant income tax year 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984. Her combined weekly payment is £62.32.
Arrears of benefit for the period 19 September 1985 to 2 October 1985 are being withheld pending verification from the health board of the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her pending a decision on her claim. When this information is received the balance of any arrears due to her will be paid.
114.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to be given unemployment assistance or a similar allowance as he has been disallowed disability benefit but has also been cut off unemployment assistance or benefit.
Following a review of his means, the qualification certificate of the person concerned was revoked on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. However, due to an oversight, payment of unemployment assistance continued up to 8 October 1985.
It also came to light that he had been submitting certificates of incapacity and he was advised by his local office to reapply for unemployment assistance when he was capable of work. He has not been in touch with his local office since 8 October 1985. He may be entitled to supplementary welfare allowance and in this regard he should contact his local community welfare officer.
115.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 is only in receipt of separate payments at a rate of £62.90; if she is entitled to fuel vouchers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The husband of the person concerned is entitled to unemployment benefit at the weekly personal rate of £36.55, plus the appropriate increase of £62.90 in respect of his wife and four child dependants. The person concerned is in receipt of the dependants portion of unemployment benefit payable in her case. Persons receiving unemployment benefit do not have entitlement to fuel vouchers under the national fuel scheme which is administered by the health boards or the urban fuel scheme which is administered in Dublin by Dublin Corporation.
116.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department has decided in favour of an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 arising out of a decision to refuse him four weeks unemployment assistance; if this person is entitled to credits under the PRSI scheme as he had already worked 13 weeks prior to the termination of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
When the person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 21 July 1983, he continued to receive unemployment assistance to 24 March 1985, when he ceased to sign.
He applied for unemployment assistance on 17 June 1985. His claim was disallowed for four weeks on the grounds that he had voluntarily left employment without just cause. He appealed against this decision but the appeals officer also disallowed his claim for four weeks.
It has now come to light that he requalified for unemployment benefit on the basis that he has 13 paid contributions since he exhausted entitlement to unemployment benefit in July 1983. He also satisfies the condition of having sufficient credited contributions in the contribution year governing his claim. He is accordingly entitled to receive unemployment benefit at the maximum weekly rate of £39.50 applicable to a single person and arrangements are being made to make weekly payments at that rate from next week. Arrears of unemployment benefit, less unemployment assistance already paid will also be paid next week.
117.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider providing free telephone rental and similar allowances to persons such as a person (details supplied) who look after disabled or invalided adult relations at home instead of burdening the State with massive hospitalisation and in-care costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The allowances referred to are intended essentially for persons in receipt of old age and invalidity type pensions who are living alone and who have special needs by reason of that fact.
The free telephone rental allowance scheme is intended to facilitate these pensioners in getting help in the event of an emergency and this scheme is confined to qualifying pensioners living alone or only with persons who would be regarded as unable to summon aid in such a situation.
The free electricity and free television licence schemes are intended to assist pensioners in meeting the cost of these facilities and the schemes are confined to qualifying pensioners who are living alone or with specified dependants or who are incapacitated and have living with them a person who provides them with constant care and attention. Where, as in the case referred to, the person who lives with the pensioner is in receipt of unemployment benefit and therefore seeking employment they would not be regarded as living with the pensioner for the purpose of providing fulltime care and attention.
To extend the coverage of these schemes to all cases where pensioners are looked after by relatives at home would change the nature of the schemes and would be extremely costly. There are no plans for such an extension in present circumstances.
118.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying 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 7 May 1985. Inquiries had to be made to establish if his employment during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governed his claim of 7 May 1985 was insurable at a contribution class which provides cover against unemployment. These inquiries are continuing and his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome.
In the interim unemployment assistance is being paid at the weekly rate of £10.50 being the maximum rate applicable to a single man with means of £21.25 assessed against him.
119.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application for free electricity allowance of persons (details supplied) in County Cork.
One of the conditions for receipt of a free electricity allowance is that an eligible person must be living alone or with certain excepted persons. In cases where a pensioner occupies a portion of a house, the position, generally speaking, is that he-she is required to have separate cooking facilities as well as a separate ESB meter before he-she can be regarded as living alone for the purpose of the scheme.
The person concerned was approved for a free electricity allowance in November 1983. However, in May 1985 during a review of her entitlement it was ascertained that she occupied a portion of the house and that the remainder was occupied by her son, his wife and their family. There is only one ESB meter for the entire house and, as her son and his wife do not come within the excepted categories, she could not be regarded as living alone for the purpose of the scheme. Her allowance was therefore terminated in June 1985.
There is no trace either in the Department or in the district ESB office of a recent application for the allowance from her.
120.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying 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 from 7 August 1985. According to the Department's records he did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 26 contributions paid or credited in the contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governed his entitlement to unemployment benefit form 7 August 1985.
The matter of non-payment of contributions by his former employer was investigated by a social welfare officer. The investigations have now been completed and his claim has been allowed at the appropriate weekly rate of unemployment benefit of £74.50 from 7 August 1985 to 22 September 1985, after which date the rate was reduced to £65.10 weekly as his dependent child attained 18 years.
Arrangements have been made to commence weekly payments this week and when the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him pending a decision on his claim is known, the balance of any arrears due to him will be paid.
121.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider allowing supplementary welfare allowance payments by health boards to deserted husbands who have to raise families on unemployment assistance as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It is understood from the South-Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the administration of the supplementary welfare allowances scheme in County Wexford, that the person concerned has been in receipt of a weekly allowance of £5 since 6 October 1984 in supplementation of his unemployment assistance. In addition, he was awarded a special payment of £50 in September 1985 by the health board towards the cost of clothing.
Any person, including a deserted husband, whose means are insufficient to meet his needs, may apply to his local health board for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
122.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the maximum rate of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 3 December 1984 and her claim was allowed at the weekly flat rate of £30.90 increased to £32.75 from 4 July 1985 being the appropriate rates payable to a married woman who had 38 contributions in the period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 which governed her entitlement to payment from 3 December 1984.
Her entitlement to pay-related benefit was based on her earnings in the relevant income tax year 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983. Her earnings during this period were £4,761 and accordingly she was in receipt of pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £13.05 for the first 141 days (Sundays not counted) from 20 December 1984 and at £10.45 weekly from 3 June 1985 when she entered the second, lower, phase, of her entitlement. Combined payments of £43.20 weekly continue to be made to her as they become due.
123.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 12 June 1985 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. However, he was not available for interview at the address given in his application form and when a further visit was made to a new address, the person concerned had left there also.
The papers have again been referred to a social welfare officer who will attempt to interview him at the address given in this question and when the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
124.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to refund the full amount spent by each health board under the new system of financing the supplementary welfare allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the new system of financing the supplementary welfare allowance scheme the Government have decided that from 1 January 1986 supplementary welfare allowance will be paid for entirely by the Exchequer.
Until now, the bulk of the cost of the scheme has been borne by the Exchequer but local authorities were made responsible for a part of the cost. Local authorities will from January next no longer have to contribute to the scheme but rates support grants paid by the Exchequer to local authorities will be adjusted to take account of this. As part of the revised arrangements local authorities in arrears with their contributions have been given up to five years to pay off the arrears due to the health boards.
The new arrangements will mean that in future the health boards will be assured of adequate funds to administer the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
125.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made as to when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be approved for an invalidity pension.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to the person concerned and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
126.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who claimed unemployment benefit on two occasions during the past year has received no payment on either claim.
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 from 4 July 1984 to 7 September 1984 and on 22 July 1985.
According to the Department's records, she had no contributions paid or credited during the relevant contribution year 6 April to 5 April 1983, which governed her claim of 4 July 1984 and she had only 17 contributions paid during the contribution year 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governed her claim of 22 July 1985. Accordingly she is not entitled to payment of unemployment benefit. She ceased to prove unemployment from 23 July 1985.
127.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
An application for a free electricity allowance received from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the November-December 1985 billing period.
128.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if arrears of disability benefit allowed up to 24 September 1985 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 18 February following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 20 February 1985 to 6 August 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate before him. The decision of the appeals officer is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh evidence.
The person concerned has submitted a further medical report in support of her case and this report has been sent to the chief appeals officer for his consideration as to whether it constitutes new evidence which would warrant a review of her case. Payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the chief appeals officer's decision.
The medical referee examination which took place on 24 September 1985 was solely in connection with her claim for disablement benefit and did not relate to the question of her capacity for work for the purposes of the disability benefit claim.
129.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of disability benefit has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who suffers from severe depression and is at present on the waiting list for admission to a psychiatric hospital; and when these payments will be restored.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 17 June 1985 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of her claim as soon as possible. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of her appeal immediately a decision is to hand.
If, during the period of her appeal, the person concerned is confined to hospital, she will be entitled to the payment of disability benefit for the duration of her confinement.
130.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary is only receiving £93 unemployment benefit and is also only receiving £16.28 pay-related benefit as these payments should be much higher; when this will be rectified; the amount which will be paid, and when this will be paid.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 22 July 1985 and his claim was allowed at the appropriate maximum weekly flat rate of £111.10 being the correct rate payable to a person claiming for an adult dependant and five child dependants.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit, flat rate unemployment benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of a claimant. The 85 per cent limit applicable in this case has been calculated at £128.03 and accordingly the weekly amount of pay-related benefit to which he is entitled is limited to £16.93. Combined payments of £128.03 continue to be made to him as they become due.
131.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of people on the unemployment register in the Tallaght area, Dublin 24, at present.
134.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of people on the unemployment register in the Clondalkin, Dublin 22, area at present.
It is proposed to take Question Nos. 131 and 134 together. The number of people from the Tallaght area registered as unemployed is 4,500 while the number of people from the Clondalkin area registered as unemployed is 2,844.
132.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for unemployment benefit will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for work and must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 15 October 1984 to 18 December 1984 and from 12 April 1985 to 16 August 1985 but her claim of 15 October 1984 was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her appeal on 18 June 1985 and an appeals officer decided that she satisfied the condition of being available for work.
However, as she did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 26 paid or credited contributions during the governing contribution period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 she was not entitled to payment of unemployment benefit for the period 15 October 1984 to 18 December 1984.
The benefit year which commenced on 7 January 1985 is governed by the contribution record during the contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 and as she then satisfied the contribution conditions she qualified for payment of unemployment benefit for the period 12 April 1985 to 16 August 1985. All the moneys due have been paid and she ceased to prove unemployment from 17 August 1985.
133.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a claim for a free electricity allowance as not granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
A free electricity allowance cannot be granted to the person concerned as the payment which he is receiving is not among the specified payments which would enable him to qualify for this benefit.