asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
104.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 7 January 1986 and is currently being paid at the weekly rate of £39.50 the maximum rate appropriate to a single man.
There was a delay in issuing payment because his British insurance record had to be obtained in order to qualify him for payment of benefit.
All benefit payable has now been issued to 6 February 1986, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit payments were discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he had sufficient contributions and credits to keep him in benefit for 15 months of his claim.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 7 October 1983. He was engaged in systematic short time employment on three days each week for the period 7 October 1983 to 12 April 1985 and his entitlement to unemployment benefit was therefore restricted to two days of payment each week.
When he became fully unemployed on 13 April 1985 he had already exhausted 147 days of his entitlement to unemployment benefit and consequently he exhausted his entitlement to 390 days unemployment benefit on 21 January 1986.
He made an application for unemployment assistance from 22 January 1986 and his claim was allowed from that date. He is at present in receipt of £72.65 weekly being the maximum appropriate rate payable in his case of £84.65 less means assessed against him of £12. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
106.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is entitled to claim unemployment benefit or assistance; and the reason she was disallowed from claiming in September 1985.
A claimant for unemployment benefit who is under the age of 18 years is entitled to payment for a maximum of 156 days following which she requires a further 13 weeks of insurable employment to requalify for benefit. Payment of unemployment benefit is made at half the rate appropriate to a single person if the claimant is in receipt of an unmarried mother's allowance.
The person concerned, being under age 18 years, exhausted her entitlement to 156 days unemployment benefit on 15 November 1985. She does not satisfy the contribution conditions to requalify for unemployment benefit and would not be entitled to receive both unemployment assistance and unmarried mother's allowance.
107.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if payment will be made at the maximum rate.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 7 January 1986 and his claim was referred to a deciding officer for authorisation of payment.
He is the holder of an existing qualification certificate showing nil means and is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £94. All arrears due were paid on 28 January 1986. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
108.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if arrears of unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, and if so, when.
In accordance with the legislation governing this scheme a person shall be disqualified for receiving unemployment benefit for a period not exceeding six weeks if he has lost his employment through his own misconduct or has voluntarily left his employment without just cause.
The employment of the person concerned terminated on 23 September 1985 and he claimed unemployment benefit from 27 September 1985. His claim was allowed from 5 November 1985 at the weekly rate of £39.50, being the appropriate maximum flat rate of unemployment benefit payable in his case.
Inquiries which will be completed as soon as possible are being made to establish the reason for the termination of his employment and his entitlement to unemployment benefit for the period 27 September 1985 to 4 November 1985 will be determined on completion of these inquiries. Weekly payments at the rate of £39.50 will continue to be made as they become due.
109.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the UK pension claim lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is in receipt of an old age contributory pension from the Department under the Social Welfare Acts since October 1978.
There was no indication on his claim form that he had previously been employed in Britain when he claimed the pension and, therefore, details of his Irish insurance record were not sent to the British Department of Health and Social Security. However, as a result of an inquiry to the British department by the person concerned the British authorities requested details of his Irish insurance record in November 1985 and this request was complied with. The British authorities have been asked to expedite the matter and they will reply direct to him.
110.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of invalidity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
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.
111.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for payment of unemployment assistance will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £5.05 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging in his parents home. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £26.70 weekly, being the maximum appropriate rate payable in his case of £31.75 less means of £5.05.
The person concerned applied on 26 November 1985 to have his means reviewed and, following re-investigation, a deciding officer recently again assessed his means at £5.05 weekly. It is open to him to appeal against the means assessment if he is dissatisfied. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
112.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for increased rate of unemployment assistance will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned recently appealed against the means assessment of his unemployment assistance claim and arising from contentions made by him in support of the appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries.
The social welfare officer will deal with the case as soon as possible, after which it will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of means at the earliest available opportunity. The rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £47.20 weekly being the maximum appropriate rate payable in his case of £92.35 less means of £45.15. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
113.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant a free telephone rental allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan from the date the telephone service was supplied, 23 August 1985, since the person concerned is 70 years old and thought he had filled out all the necessary forms until be received his telephone account which showed a rental charge, and in view of the fact that he has now applied if he will ensure that the allowance is given.
There is no record in the Department of receipt of an application form for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned. An application form was issued to him on 6 February 1986. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
114.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay arrears of home assistance urgently to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who wants to emigrate this week to the United Kingdom to settle there.
Following re-investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned she was assessed with nil means from 7 November 1985. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £32.75. Arrears due will be paid this week.
115.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for unemployment benefit to be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who had a notification of disallowance sent to her on the basis that she is not available for work, since the person concerned is available for work and is now going to the United Kingdom to seek work; if he will ensure that she is paid unemployment benefit up to date before she leaves for the United Kingdom.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for work. When the person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 2 January 1986 she stated that she was not available for work in this country. Accordingly, her claim to unemployment benefit was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. She was issued with an appeal form on 30 January 1986. When this is returned to the local office her case will be referred to an appeals officer for decision.
116.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22, who had her unemployment assistance discontinued due to her domestic arrangements, with a view to granting assistance.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit up to 29 January 1986 when she ceased to sign as unemployed. She had drawn 377 days of her unemployment benefit entitlement on that date. She claimed disability benefit from 30 January 1986 and her claim has been authorised at the appropriate weekly rate of £39.50. The means of the person concerned have now been reassessed and a qualification certificate for unemployment assistance purposes has been issued in respect of her, showing her as having nil means.
117.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason up to £2,000 in bank interest paid, was not taken into consideration when assessing a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon for unemployment assistance.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. Bank interest actually paid, and which has arisen in connection with the running of a holding, is allowed as an expense. According to the Department's records, the person concerned had not paid the interest when his means were assessed.
He recently appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions made by him in support of the appeal the case was 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 and 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 when he will pay social welfare benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been asked to submit the long versions of her children's birth certificates. As soon as these are received a decision will be given on her claim without delay.
119.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will grant a free television licence and free electricity to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
There is no record in the Department of receipt of an application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned. An application form has therefore been issued to him and it should be completed and forwarded in the first instance to the ESB for attention.
On receipt of the completed application form his entitlement will be considered and he will be notified of the outcome. Persons who qualify for a free electricity allowance are automatically entitled to a free television licence which may be obtained on application at their local post office.
120.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will grant a free telephone rental allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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 1984. He resides with his wife and he was requested at that time to supply medical evidence confirming that either himself or his wife were incapacitated as required by the scheme. He failed to supply the necessary evidence, and accordingly, his application was rejected and he was notified of the decision at that time.
In order that his case can be reviewed, the person concerned has been asked to supply comprehensive medical evidence in respect of himself of his wife. On receipt of the required medical evidence in the Department, an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
121.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who was refused single woman's allowance has now been reinvestigated; and if he will arrange to have this allowance granted.
The claim of the person concerned for single woman's allowance was disallowed on the grounds that her means exceeded the statutory limit. Her weekly means, derived from the value of capital and from the value of board and lodgings on her brother's holdings were assessed at £41.60. She appealed against the decision but an appeals officer on 27 November 1985 also assessed her with means in excess of the statutory means limit.
122.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason it was stated in his letter of 23 January 1986, that a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny did not appeal against the deciding officer's decision of 25 October 1985, as he appealed on 15 November 1985 to a social welfare officer with necessary forms; and when a reinvestigation will be made.
Due to an oversight the Deputy was incorrectly informed that he person concerned had not appealed against the means assessment on his unemployment assistance claim and this is regretted.
Arising from contentions made by the person concerned in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries established that the means of the person concerned had reduced since a previous report. Accordingly, a deciding officer revised the previous decision and assessed the applicant's means, with effect from 18 April 1985, at £39.15 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital.
He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.65 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £54.80 less means of £39.15, increased to £19.20 from 3 July 1985. All adjusting arrears due from 18 April 1985 will be paid this week.
The person concerned has been issued with his appeal form to appeal against the revised decision. When it is returned his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of means and the rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed accordingly.
123.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who appealed against the amount of £37.90 per week awarded, as £30 is given for board and lodgings for his family.
Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £29.15 weekly, derived from benefit from his father-in-law's holding and from capital.
He is accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £37.90 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £67.05 less means of £29.15. He appealed against the means assessment and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the papers were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. The inquiries were recently completed and the case was then referred to an appeals officer for determination of means, at the earliest available opportunity.
The rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. Further weekly payments of £37.90 will continue to be made as they become due.
124.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment assistance applied for seven weeks ago.
Following the completion of inquiries, the claim of the person concerned for unemployment assistance was authorised at the maximum appropriate weekly rate of £33.80. The person concerned was assessed with nil means. All arrears due were paid last week and further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
125.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment benefit applied for on 6 August 1985.
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 the person concerned has insufficient contributions paid or credited during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governs entitlement to unemployment benefit on her claim of 5 August 1985. She informed her local office that she had been employed during this governing period in an AnCO sponsored employment. The employer concerned and AnCO have been contacted to ascertain details of her employment during this period and when these inquiries are completed her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 5 August 1985 will be reviewed.
A new benefit year commenced on 6 January 1986 and as she satisfies the contribution condition for maximum rate unemployment benefit during the contribution period 6 April 1984 to 5 April 1985 her claim has been allowed at the weekly rate of £34.70 from 6 January 1986. Arrangements have been made to issue to her this week an order for encashment at her local post office paying all arrears of flat rate unemployment benefit due from 6 January 1986.
126.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment assistance as he has a very small income at present and is registered with National Manpower Service.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £16.15 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from capital. However, he did not fulfil the condition of being available for work and a deciding officer disallowed his claim from 17 August 1984. He appealed against the disallowance and he attended an oral hearing on 21 May 1985 but the appeals officer also decided that he was not available for employment. He was notified of this decision.
He continued to sign the unemployment register and his case was reviewed from 31 May 1985 but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for employment. He appealed against this decision and he attended an oral hearing of his case on 9 December 1985 but the appeals officer also decided that he was not available for employment from 31 May 1985. He has been notified of this decision.
He has continued to sign the unemployed register and further consideration will be given to his application when he furnishes evidence to show that he is available for work.
127.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment benefit for which he applied 25 weeks ago.
The entitlement to unemployment benefit of the person concerned could not be determined until extensive inquiries were made to establish that his employment was insurable at a contribution class which provides cover against unemployment.
These inquiries have now been completed and his claim has been authorised at £34.70 weekly, the maximum flat rate unemployment benefit payable in his case. He is a postal applicant and arrangements have been made to issue this week an order for encashment at his local post office, paying all arrears due.
Further weekly payments will be made as they become due. The delay in this case is regretted.
128.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment assistance which he applied for three weeks ago.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 2 January 1986 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He subsequently notified the local employment exchange that he had got married and further inquiries were necessary to establish details of his wife's earnings. These inquiries have now been completed and arrangements are being made to refer his case to a deciding officer for assessment of means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
129.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment assistance applied for 12 weeks ago.
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 on 11 November 1985 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The inquiries, which were extensive, were completed recently and he was assessed with means of £21.60 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his parents holding.
The person concerned is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £10.15 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case, of £31.75 less means of £21.60. He was paid all arrears due on 6 February 1986 and further weekly payments of £10.15 will continue to be made as they become due.
130.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive the disability benefit due to her on 27 January 1986.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 18 November 1985 and payment was issued to her from 21 November 1985, the fourth day of incapacity at £34.70, the maximum weekly rate payable to a married woman.
On 15 December 1985, she submitted a claim for three child dependants. Her claim was investigated by the Department and payment of benefit was authorised at £68.10, the maximum weekly rate payable in respect of an adult and three child dependants.
All arrears payable to her were issued on 23 January 1986 and all benefit payable to 3 February 1986, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
131.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is being paid only £35.38 unemployment benefit as he feels he should be entitled to more.
The rate of unemployment benefit payable to an applicant is reduced after 156 days of benefit have been drawn, where he does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in a seven year period. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 29 November 1984 to 1 May 1985, from 30 July 1985 to 14 September 1985 and again from 21 October 1985. He was in receipt of the maximum rate of flat rate unemployment benefit up to 29 August 1985 when he exhausted 156 days of benefit. He did not fulfil the contribution conditions for continuous payment of unemployment benefit at the maximum rate and, accordingly, his weekly rate of unemployment benefit was reduced to £32.75 from 30 August 1985.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat rate unemployment benefit is based on reckonable earnings in the relevant income tax year. The claims for unemployment benefit of 30 July 1985 and 21 October 1985 linked with the claim of 29 November 1984 and accordingly the tax year which governs entitlement to pay-related benefit, on his unemployment benefit claims, is the year 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983. Based on his earnings during that period he was entitled to 141 days pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £3.28 to 29 August 1985, reducing to £2.63 from 30 August 1985. Combined weekly payments of £35.38 are continuing to be made as they become due.
132.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment benefit and PRSI have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware of this person's situation; if he will ensure that the maximum benefits are paid immediately to this man; the date on which this will be done; the date on which all arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 18 September 1985. All benefit payable at the weekly rate of £74.50, the maximum rate for a married man with one dependent child, has been issued to him. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of disability benefit payable in his case exceeds 75 per cent of his average reckonable weekly earnings in the 1983-84 tax year which governs his claim.
133.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment assistance has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway, if he will now rescind this decision; if he will ensure that this assistance is restored immediately; the date on which this will be done; the weekly payment including all arrears that would be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a review, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and the papers have recently been returned to the social welfare officer, to afford him another opportunity to co-operate in the investigation of his means.
When the inquiries are completed the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
134.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason that unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will now make immediate payment; the total amount that will be paid weekly; the amount of arrears that will be paid; the date on which these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 30 December 1985. His claim was authorised at the appropriate weekly rate of £125 flat rate unemployment benefit, being the maximum rate applicable to a married man with seven child dependants. The person concerned is a postal claimant and weekly payable orders for encashment at his local post office have issued to him on a weekly basis and will continue to issue as they become due. His entitlement to pay-related benefit from 21 January 1986 with his flat rate unemployment benefit is under examination at present and a decision will be given as soon as possible.
135.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and when arrears outstanding will be issued to him.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim for unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied. Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
136.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 had his rate of unemployment assistance reduced from £66.45 to £30.50 recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a re-investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with effect from 22 January 1986 with means of £55.90 weekly. His means are derived from benefit from his wife's earnings. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £30.55 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £86.45 less means of £55.90. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
137.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will state the cause of the three month delay in deciding this application.
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 12 November 1985 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. These inquiries, which were protracted, have recently been completed and the case is being submitted to a deciding officer for assessment of his means. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
138.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the rate of unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare who claims that his income has not changed for years and there is no record in the local control office about this.
Following re-investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £60.60 weekly effective from 8 January 1986. His means are derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of his capital. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £16.35 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £76.95 less means of £60.60. If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office. He has been supplied with the details of the assessment of the profit from his holding.
139.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the appeals officer to reconsider the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to grant him only £7.30 per week unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating whether he has the right to appeal to the courts against the decision of the appeals officer, under the Social Welfare Acts.
Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed by a deciding officer at £26.50 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on his parents holding. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £7.30 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £33.80 less means of £26.50. According to the Department's records he has not to date appealed against the means assessment and it is open to him to do so. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local employment office. The decision of an appeals officer is final and conclusive. However, under section 299 (b) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981, any person who is dissatisfied with the decision of an appeals officer may appeal to the High Court on a point of law. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
140.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to refuse to grant him unemployment assistance at the maximum rate, in view of the fact that since his appeal he has worked for 13 weeks in a local factory and is now in receipt of £39.50 per week unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating when a decision will be reached.
Following a review, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and the case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer however requested furthe information and it was necessary to return the case to the social welfare officer to obtain the information. The delay in completing these inquiries is regretted. The inquiries will be completed as soon as possible and his case will then be dealt with by an appeals officer at the first available opportunity. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment benefit at £39.50 weekly.
141.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford has been refused unemployment benefit despite the fact that evidence was submitted of her efforts to obtain employment.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 17 June 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and at an oral hearing of her case on 4 September 1985 she was given an opportunity to present her case. The appeals officer also decided that she was not available for employment. She continued to sign the unemployed register after the date of the appeals officer's decision and as she had not made any efforts to get employment a deciding officer again decided that she was not available for employment from 5 September 1985. She was notified of this decision on 5 February 1986. It is open to her to appeal against the disallowance of her claim and a form for this purpose was issued to her on 5 February 1986.
142.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the circumstances in which a deciding officer decided that a person (details supplied) in County Laois was not available for employment.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for employment. The claim of 3 September 1985 for unemployment benefit, of the person concerned, was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She had voluntarily left her previous employment and furnished no evidence of efforts to secure employment. She appealed against the disallowance and at an oral hearing on 6 November 1985 she was given an opportunity to present her case. The appeals officer however also decided that she was not available for employment. She continued to sign as unemployed following the date on which the appeals officer's decision was given and inquiries are being made to establish if she now satisfies the required conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit. When these inquiries are completed her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 7 November 1985 will be determined.
143.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the appeal against the decision not to allow social assistance allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed on 5 November 1985 on the ground that she had not fully disclosed her means. She then submitted further documentation and the case was returned to the local social welfare officer for further investigation. This officer's report is expected within a few days. A decision will then be given on the claim and the claimant will be informed of the outcome.
144.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in receipt of unemployment assistance had an appeal disallowed recently as the grounds stated were clearly incorrect; the basis on which the judgement was arrived at; and if he will now ensure that a fresh claim will be sympathetically considered for him.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The claim for unemployment assistance of the person concerned was disallowed from 9 October 1985 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment. He appealed against the disallowance and at an oral hearing on 22 January 1986 was given the opportunity to present his case but the appeals officer on the basis of the facts also decided that he was not genuinely seeking work. He has continued to sign the unemployed register after the date of the appeals officer's decision and inquiries are being made to establish if he now fulfils the condition of being genuinely seeking employment. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance from 23 January 1986 will be determined.
145.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that an oral appeal hearing is allowed further to the recent appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in relation to an unemployment assistance claim, and if he will ensure that the maximum amount of payments are awarded in view of his income situation.
The person concerned recently appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries are completed, the papers, together with the request for an oral hearing, will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
146.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the weekly payments of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford were reduced; and if payments will be reinstated with a view to ensuring his maximum entitlement.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 13 December 1984. Payment was issued from that date at the maximum weekly rate payable to a married man. There was an interruption in payment of benefit from 6 January 1986 while the continuing entitlement of the person concerned was being examined. It has now been established that he is entitled to continuing payment of benefit at the maximum weekly rate and all benefit payable to 15 February 1986 has now been issued. The person concerned is also in receipt of a blind pension at the maximum weekly rate payable.