(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of a disablement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
64.
The person concerned claimed disablement benefit on 21 December 1984 in respect of an alleged accident at work on 7 December 1981. Inquiries from his employer failed to confirm the alleged accident and the matter was investigated by the social welfare officer who interviewed the claimant, the employer and two persons alleged to have witnessed the accident. The investigations failed however to confirm the accident. It was not accepted that an occupational accident had happened and the claim was therefore disallowed. The claimant appealed against the decision and the case has been referred to appeals branch for consideration A decision will be made as soon as possible.
65.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will expedite payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 29 April 1986 to 13 October 1986.
On 22 October 1986 he notified the Department that he did not receive payment for the period 8 October 1986 to 13 October 1986.
The matter is currently under investigation. When this investigation is completed the position will be reviewed and the claimant will be informed.
66.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a free fuel application was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if she will have this decision reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
It is understood from the North-Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the administration of the national fuel scheme in County Louth, that an application by the wife of the person concerned for a fuel allowance has been refused on the grounds that she is not in any of the categories of persons eligible under the scheme. The person concerned is in regular employment and his wife is not in receipt of any social welfare payment.
The determination of entitlement in any particular case is a function of the health board.
67.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason social welfare disability benefit has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if she will now requalify in view of the revised regulations under the equality legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment, entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned has only 108 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance. She claimed disability benefit from 26 November 1985 and was paid to 26 November 1986 after which date her 52 week entitlement became exhausted.
In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to have a least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid.
The conditions governing this case have not been altered by the equality legislation.
68.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason no payment of disability benefit has been received by a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if she is aware that this person who has a large family is very ill; and if payment will be restored and if arrears will be paid; and when they will be paid.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 22 November 1986 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
The claimant has now indicated that she wishes to appeal against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 10 December 1986.
Her entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referees report following this examination.
69.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Mulhuddart, who applied in March 1986 and if she will ensure that arrears are paid to March 1986 as a previous application for an earlier child was lost in 1985, resulting in a loss to this family.
According to the Department's records the person concerned is in receipt of child benefit in respect of three qualified children who were born on 10 May 1979, 13 March 1981 and 20 February 1985 respectively. There is no record of receipt in the Department of any further application from her in respect of a child born since February 1985.
An application form has therefore been issued to the person concerned. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department, an early decision will be given in the case and she will be notified of the outcome.