asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is in receipt of an invalidity pension, is receiving the maximum rated pension as he has a son who is going to school on a part time basis.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
70.
A child dependant for invalidity pension purposes in a child under the age of 18 years who is normally residing with the pensioner. The son of the person concerned attained that age on 29 September 1984 and an increase in respect of him is not payable since 4 October 1984, that is, the Thursday following his 18th birthday. The rate of invalidity pension at present in payment to the person concerned is £85.15 per week, that is the maximum rate payable to a married man under 66 years who has one qualified child.
71.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal on a claim for disability benefit of a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be heard.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 29 August 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 on 18 November 1985 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His appeal has been referred 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 date of the hearing as soon as arrangements have been finalised.
72.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay a contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed a retirement pension on 9 September 1985 and this has been awarded to him at the maximum rate, together with an allowance in respect of two dependent children, with effect from 2 January 1986, i.e. the Friday following the date of his retirement from employment. A retirement pension book and a supplementary book for the child dependants' allowance, each containing orders payable from 23 January 1986, have been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. The arrears payable from 2 January 1986 to 22 January 1986, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to him in respect of this period, have been sent to him by payable order.
73.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of every attempt made by her to secure employment.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 3 September 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 appeal on 18 November 1985. The appeals officer, however, also decided that she was not available for employment. She made a further claim to unemployment benefit on 18 December 1985 and following the completion of inquiries this claim has been allowed as it is considered that she now satisfies the statutory conditions for receipt of this benefit.
Her claim was allowed from 18 December 1985 at £34.70 weekly, being the appropriate rate of flat rate unemployment benefit applicable in her case, and all arrears due were paid to her on 31 January 1986. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
74.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive payment of unemployment assistance applied for three months ago.
Following the investigation of her unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £25 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings in her parents home. She is accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £7.75, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £32.75 less means, £25. The person concerned is not in touch with her local office at present but she has been written to, advising her to call to her local office for collection of arrears due to her.
75.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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 28 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 from 28 August 1985. However, the apparent nonpayment of contributions by his employer is at present under investigation and when these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed. The person concerned was advised of his possible entitlement to unemployment assistance, but he did not submit a claim.
76.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will ensure that consideration of this case be expedited in view of the fact that he repeatedly informed the employment exchange that any data they require is being made available.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions, including an assessment of means. The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 25 November 1985 and his case was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation of means. When the inquiries, which will be completed shortly, are completed, his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
77.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will give a breakdown of the means assessed.
Following investigation of his claim for unemployment assistance, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £33.30 weekly, derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital. His claim was, accordingly, disallowed as his means exceeded the statutory limit in his case.
In calculating his means, the deciding officer took into consideration the gross yearly income of the farm at £3,372 less expenses, amounting to £1,806 incurred in earning that income, leaving a net profit of £1,566 taken as £1,560 per annum. The applicant was also treated as having capital amounting to £1,925. The net yearly value, calculated in the prescribed manner, of his capital was put at £172.50. The applicant's means were accordingly assessed at £1,732.51 per annum or £33.30 weekly.
He appealed against the decision on 15 December 1985 and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal, the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. It is anticipated that these inquiries will be completed shortly and arrangements will then be made to refer his case to an appeals officer for determination at the earliest available opportunity.
The entitlement of the person to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
78.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for an early reinvestigation of a claim for an old age pension by a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
To be entitled to an old age pension, an applicant's means must not exceed the statutory limit of £48 a week. The means of the person concerned, comprising half the weekly value of his wife's earnings, amount to £98.54 a week. In the light of the Deputy's representations, he is being contacted to see if his circumstances have changed and the question of reinvestigating his means can then be considered in the light of his reply.
79.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have an application for a single woman's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Laois reinvestigated as soon as possible, as the person is prepared to fully co-operate with the social welfare officer.
The claim for single woman's allowance, of the person concerned, was disallowed on the grounds that she failed to furnish full particulars of her means. Her case is again being forwarded to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of her means. Her entitlement to the allowance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of these investigations.
80.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment assistance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the application was made on 19 December 1985.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 19 December 1985 and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of means. The inquiries are now completed and arrangements are being made to refer his case to a deciding officer for determination of means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be decided in the light of the amount of means assessed against him.
81.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made regarding an application for unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions, including an assessment of means. The person concerned is due to exhaust his entitlement to 390 days unemployment benefit this week. To minimise the possibility of delay in determining his entitlement to unemployment assistance, he was issued with an application form for a qualification certificate on 19 November 1985 but he did not return it to his local office until 13 December 1985. The case was then referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of means. When the inquiries, which will be completed as soon as possible, are completed, his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will correct an error in social welfare benefits for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Following the death of her husband, the person concerned was advised to have the electricity account registered in her name and to apply for the free electricity allowance in her own right. The allowance was terminated in September 1985 when she failed to return the completed application form which was supplied to her for that purpose. An application from the person concerned, which was received in December 1985, has now been approved with effect from the date of termination and the appropriate credit will appear on her next ESB bill.
83.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give a breakdown of how means were assessed for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon in applying for unemployment assistance; and if he is aware that the applicant's mother is a widow with only a very small farm.
In accordance with the provisions of the legislation governing the unemployment assistance scheme the value of any benefit or privilege derived by an applicant from any source must be taken into account in the assessment of means. Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £36 weekly, derived from the maintenance portion of a student grant, the value of board and lodging on his mother's holding, and to a small extent from the value, calculated in the prescribed manner, of capital.
The maintenance portion of the student grant amounted to £1,000 per annum, and the value of capital to £11.36 per annum. The net yearly value of his mother's holding was calculated at £6,000 and on a weighted basis the person concerned was deemed to enjoy board and lodging calculated at £861 yearly. The applicants total means therefore amounted to £1,872.36 per annum or £36 per week. Accordingly, his claim to unemployment assistance was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. He was issued with an appeal form, but did not return it to his local office. He last signed at his local office on 30 September 1985.
84.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been reached on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as he has been signing on for 12 weeks at Tullamore employment exchange.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until he co-operates with the social welfare officer in the disclosure of his means. He failed to supply full particulars of his means when the officer called to interview him. However a deciding officer has recently decided to afford him a further opportunity to co-operate and the papers have been returned to the social welfare officer. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is not in receipt of unemployment benefit.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 January 1986. Inquiries had to be made to establish if he fulfils the condition of being available for employment. These inquiries, which are continuing, will be completed as soon as possible and his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be considered in the light of the outcome.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of an unemployment benefit claim to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
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 24 October 1985. According to the Department's records he had only six contributions paid during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governs his claim of 24 October 1985.
However, inquiries had to be made to establish his entitlement to special students credits in the contribution year 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984. These inquiries have now been completed and his claim has been authorised at the maximum rate of £39.50 weekly. He is a postal applicant and arrangements have been made to issue an order for encashment at his local post office, paying all arrears due, this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
87.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
Following a review, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 8 May 1985 on the grounds that his means, derived from the benefit from his wife's earnings, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer on 29 July 1985 also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit.
The person concerned applied for a review of his means on 15 November 1985 and it was necessary to refer his case again to a social welfare officer for investigation. The social welfare officer will call on him this week. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the outcome of the social welfare officer's investigations.
88.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Louth who applied in December 1985.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 5 December 1985, the Thursday following the date of application. A pension book payable from 13 February 1986 will be issued to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 5 December 1985 to 12 February 1986, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, will be paid by payable order.
89.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an appeal will be allowed for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, who is currently on a reduced rate of unemployment assistance, in view of the fact that a 21 day period of appeal elapsed over Christmas; and if he will ensure that his rate of payment is increased.
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 21 November 1985 and applied for unemployment assistance on 22 November 1985. Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim he was assessed with means of £15 weekly. He was, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £18 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £33 less means of £15.
A letter has been sent to the person concerned advising him that he may appeal against the means assessment. Although he did not lodge a formal appeal, he asked that his means be reassessed and his case has recently been referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation. He ceased signing at his local office on 18 January 1986.
90.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance book including arrears will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, and the reason for the delay in this case.
A renewal children's allowance book payable from July 1985 was issued to Gorey post office in June 1985 for collection by the person concerned. This book was returned uncollected, to the Department in November last and was reissued to her on 9 December when her new address was notified to the Department.
Efforts are now being made to recover this book which did not reach the claimant who had again changed her address. A replacement book payable from January 1986 has been issued to the post office nominated by her and any arrears due will be issued as soon as the position in regard to the missing book is clarified.
91.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an increase in unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned reapplied for unemployment assistance on 2 July 1985 and following inquiries his means were assessed as nil, and, accordingly, his claim was allowed from that date at the appropriate maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable. Further weekly payments of £105.60 will continue to be made as they become due.
The Christmas bonus was payable to long term applicants for unemployment assistance. The person concerned is a short term applicant, having been in receipt of unemployment assistance for less than 390 days. Accordingly, he was not entitled to a Christmas bonus.
92.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant a retirement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has now 52 contributions.
The statutory conditions which must be satisfied in order to qualify for a retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts provide that a person must: (i) have entered into insurance before reaching age 55; (ii) have reckonable contributions paid in respect of at least 156 weeks of insurable employment and (iii) have a yearly average of at least 24 reckonable contributions, paid or credited, over the period from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from the year of entry into insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching age 65.
The revised insurance record of the person concerned indicates that he entered into insurance under the Acts after he reached age 55 and that he has a total of 51 reckonable contributions since that entry. Only 36 of these were paid contributions and the total of 51 is equal to a yearly average of only five in the relevant period. He does not, therefore, satisfy any of the required conditions and does not qualify for a retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts. A total of 50 contributions had originally been recorded on his insurance record and following investigations by the local social welfare officer, one additional contribution was added making a total of 51.
Prior to his entry into insurance under the Social Welfare Acts he was employed for a number of years in Great Britain. However, in order to qualify under EC Regulations for an Irish pro rata pension, on the basis of his combined British and Irish insurance, he is required under EC Regulations to have a record of paid or credited contributions in respect of not less than 52 weeks in this country. Since he has a total of only 51 paid and credited contributions under the Social Welfare Acts he does not qualify for a pro rata pension from the Department under EC Regulations.
Neither did he qualify for old age contributory pension under the Social Welfare Acts nor for a pro rata pension under EC Regulations when he reached age 66. In relation to old age contributory pension the yearly average requirement is a minimum of 20 reckonable contributions and the relevant period ends at the end of the last complete contribution year before the one in which the claimant reaches age 66. The requirement for 52 contributions in order to qualify for a pro rata pension under EC Regulations also applies.
Details of his claim were sent to the British Department of Health and Social Security in December 1984 for determination of his entitlement to a British retirement pension.
93.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if benefit due to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 has been paid; and if all contributions by her employer have been paid.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 17 January 1986 and her claim has been allowed at the weekly rate of £39.50, which is the maximum rate of unemployment benefit applicable to a single person. She is a postal applicant and an order for encashment at her local post office in respect of all unemployment benefit due up to 28 January 1986 has recently been issued.
Weekly payments of £39.50 will continue to be made as they become due. Arrangements are being made to have the matter of payment of contributions by her last employer investigated.
94.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making a decision on the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions, including an assessment of means. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means.
Extensive inquiries which were necessary were completed recently and she was assessed with means of £7.20 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodgings on her father's holding. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £24.55 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £31.75 less £7.20 means. All arrears due were paid last week. Further weekly payments of £24.55 will continue to be made as they become due.
95.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an assessment has been carried out for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that her means of £36 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodgings on her parent's holding exceeded the statutory limit.
She appealed against this decision and an appeals officer, on 30 December 1985 also assessed her means at £36 weekly. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 21 January 1986 through her local office.
96.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for increased unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following investigation of his claim for unemployment assistance, the person concerned was assessed with means of £26.25 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging in her parents' holding. He is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at £2.90 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case, £31.75 less means of £28.85.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the appeals officer has afforded the appellant an opportunity to supply additional evidence in support of his appeal. When he replies, his case will be determined by an appeals officer at the earliest available opportunity. The rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
97.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been reached on an appeal for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned, she was assessed with means of £28.85 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging on her mother's holding. She appealed against this decision and an appeals officer on 17 December 1985 also assessed her with means of £28.85. She has been informed of the appeals officer's decision.
She is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £2.90 being the appropriate maximum weekly rate payable in her case of £31.75 less means of £28.85. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
98.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the appeals officer has issued his findings on an appeal for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned she was assessed with means of £26.25 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in her parents' home.
She appealed against this decision and an appeals officer on 13 December 1985, reduced the assessment of her means to £20 weekly, effective from 17 June 1985. She was, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance of £9.95 weekly from 17 June to 2 July 1985 being the appropriate maximum weekly rate payable in her case of £29.95 less means of £20, increasing to £11.75 weekly from 3 July 1985.
The applicant signed at her local employment office for the period 17 June to 31 August 1985 and from 23 December 1985 until 6 January 1986. All arrears due will be paid this week.
99.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if free telephone rental will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must be living alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
The person concerned applied for the allowance in October 1984. At that time she was residing with her grandson, aged 34, who was not, from the information furnished, permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. Her application was therefore rejected and she was notified accordingly on 24 January 1985.
If the person concerned feels that she now satisfies the conditions of the scheme, it is open to her to re-apply for the allowance. Application forms for the allowance are available at all post offices.
100.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if free telephone rental will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must be living alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
The allowance cannot be granted in this case as the person concerned is not receiving a qualifying payment and he is not, on the information available, permanently incapacitated to such extent as to enable his brother, with whom he resides, to qualify for the allowance. An application for the allowance from his brother was rejected on 6 September 1985.
101.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
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 arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the papers were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of means, at the earliest possible opportunity. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
102.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions including an assessment of means.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 22 November 1985 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of means. The inquiries are not yet completed as the person concerned was requested to supply details of his home circumstances and to date has not done so. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to a qualification certificate determined accordingly. He has not signed at his local office since 22 November 1985.
103.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be granted on appeal to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 21 October 1985 and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. The social welfare officer could not complete his report as she failed to supply particulars of her home circumstances, which were considered by the investigating officer to be relevant.
However a deciding officer has afforded the person concerned a further opportunity to co-operate and if she agrees she will again be visited by a social welfare officer and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the outcome of the social welfare officer's investigations.
104.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry did not qualify for unemployment benefit.
An applicant for unemployment benefit who is a landholder but does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily.
The person concerned is a landholder who did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period. The profit from his holding was deemed to exceed £2 daily and accordingly his claim for unemployment benefit was disallowed. He was issued with an appeal form on 30 January 1986 and when this is returned to his local office, his case will be referred to an appeals officer for decision.
The person concerned is entitled to unemployment assistance at £25.65 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £79.50, less means assessed against him of £53.85. Weekly payments of £25.65 will continue to be made as they become due.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not qualified for unemployment assistance; and the reason he has not given him a reference number.
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 appealed but an appeals officer also decided that his means exceeded the statutory limit.
The person concerned has not been in touch with the local office since October 1983 but it is open to him to re-apply for unemployment assistance and have his means investigated. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office. The person concerned is the holder of reference number H.40742 from date of original application for unemployment assistance, in 1969.
106.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the unemployment assistance payments being made to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny were reduced from £30 to £15 per week from Friday, 24 January 1986, in view of the fact that she was in receipt of £30 per week for approximately three years and there has been no change in her circumstances since then.
Following reinvestigation of her unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £18.35 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging in her father's home. Her father's earnings, upon which the assessment was based, had increased substantially since the last investigation. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.45 weekly being the maximum appropriate rate payable in her case of £33.80 less means of £18.35.
The person concerned appealed against the decision on 24 January 1986 and her case was referred to an appeals officer for determination at the earliest available opportunity. The rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
107.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a reduced amount of unemployment assistance is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is married with one child and has no other means whatsoever.
Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with nil means. He is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance of £67.05 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate for a man, his wife and one child.
108.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has been signing on since 16 December 1985, will receive payment.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 16 December 1985 and following inquiries her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment.
Her claim was however recently reviewed to establish if she fulfilled the conditions of being available for employment. A deciding officer then allowed the claim from 16 December 1985, at £34.70 weekly being the appropriate rate of flat rate unemployment benefit applicable in her case. All arrears due will be issued this week. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
109.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is only receiving £21.25 unemployment assistance per week.
Following investigation of her unemployment assistance claim, the person concerned was assessed with means of £10.50 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in her father's home. She is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at £21.25 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £31.75 less means of £10.50. She appealed on 8 January 1986 against the amount of means assessed against her and her case was referred to an appeals officer for determination at the earliest available opportunity.
The rate of unemployment assistance payable to the person concerned will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
110.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as he applied last November.
Invalidity pension is being awarded from 7 November 1985. A pension book payable from 20 February 1986 will be issued to the designated post office of payment and arrears in respect of the period from 7 November 1985 to 19 February 1986, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, will be paid by payable order.
111.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following reinvestigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 23 October 1985, on the grounds that his means, derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He has not appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but it is open to him to do so. 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 County Cavan is not receiving unemployment benefit.
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 23 September 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 from 23 September 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 rate of unemployment benefit of £38.05 weekly, from 23 September 1985. In addition, based on his earnings in the tax period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, he is also entitled to £2.15 weekly pay-related benefit from 14 October 1985.
Arrangements have been made to commence weekly payments of £40.20 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.
113.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
There was a delay in issuing payment of disability benefit to the person concerned. Payment in respect of the period from 8 January to 18 January 1986 was issued on 3 February 1986. He has been asked to submit medical evidence covering the remaining period of his incapacity together with a completed claim form in respect of his dependants. When this information comes to hand any further benefit payable will be issued to him.
114.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if all arrears of disability benefit have been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will furnish the applicant with a full breakdown of his arrears payments.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 9 August 1985. All benefit payable to 24 January 1986, the date of the latest medical certificate received, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the health board, has been issued to him.
A statement showing all the disability benefit cheques which have issued has been forwarded to the person concerned.
115.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the fact that he did not receive notification to go before a medical referee; if he is aware that over the five year period for which he has received disability benefit that he had never missed a previous appointment; and the date of his next medical hearing.
The person concerned did not attend for examination by a medical referee of the Department on 21 November 1985. Accordingly, payment of disability benefit was disallowed for the statutory period of six weeks from 9 December 1985 to 18 January 1986. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 13 February 1986 and his claim to benefit from 9 December 1985 will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
116.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway despite the fact that this person has been signing on since August 1985; if he will now make an immediate decision and award her the weekly allowance; the date on which this payment will be made, including all arrears; the weekly amount that will be paid; the total amount of arrears to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions, including an assessment of means.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 1 August 1985 and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. She was not, however, available for interview when the social welfare officer called to investigate her means and consequently no further action could be taken in her case. However, she recently indicated to her local office that she would make herself available for interview and the papers have again been returned to the social welfare officer.
When the inquiries are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly. It is understood that the person concerned is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
117.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway despite the fact that he has been signing on for a long period of time; if he will now make immediate weekly payments and arrears to this person; the date on which these payments will be made, the total amount of weekly and arrears payments that will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
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 appealed against the disallowance on 20 November 1985 and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination at the earliest available opportunity. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
118.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will direct his Department to make immediate payment; the date on which weekly and arrears payments will be made; the amounts of each; if he is aware that this person has been overcharged on PRSI; if he will direct that a refund will be paid immediately; the amount of the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit, on his claim of 23 December 1985, cannot be determined until a number of inquiries have been completed. A claimant for unemployment benefit who is a beneficial occupier of land but who does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 contributions paid in a three year period is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily.
The person concerned is a beneficial occupier of land who does not satisfy the condition of having 78 contributions paid in a three year period. Accordingly, inquiries are being made to establish if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily. Further inquiries are being made to ascertain the reason his latest period of employment terminated. When all inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined. The Department has no record of an application for a refund of pay-related social insurance contributions by the person concerned. However, if the Deputy will furnish further details the matter will be investigated.
119.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was disallowed twice on appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary on the grounds that he was not available for work even though he supplied evidence of his efforts to secure work and is available for work offered and has now been informed by his local labour exchange that he has no further right of appeal and that he is debarred from signing as unemployed; if he will conduct a reinvestigation of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 15 July 1985 and on the information available, his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for employment. He appealed against the disallowance and at an appeal hearing on 29 October 1985 the person concerned attended and was given an opportunity to present his case but the appeals officer also decided he was not available for employment.
He continued to sign the unemployed register and following inquiries to establish his availability for employment from 30 October 1985 his claim was again disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing on 15 January 1986 but the appeals officer again also decided he was not available for employment. He has been informed of his right to continue to sign the unemployed register and his claim will again be reviewed regarding his availability for employment from the day following the appeals officer's decision.
Question No. 120 withdrawn.