asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was not granted an invalidity pension as a result of an examination on 28 February 1987 in view of the result of a subsequent examination of 5 March 1987 in relation to disablement benefit and the reason for the contradiction in the results of the two examinations.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
100.
Following his examination by a medical referee on 5 March 1987 the person concerned is now regarded as being permanently incapable of work and a form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him.
101.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a £10 alleviation payment was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork despite the fact that his wife did not become eligible for disability benefit until January 1987.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit which included a payment in respect of his spouse until 5 January 1987 when she became entitled to a social welfare payment in her own right and he ceased to be entitled to the payment in respect of her.
The special transitional payments were granted only to persons who suffered a reduction in their entitlements at the date of implementation of that particular phase of equality treatment in mid-November 1986. They do not apply to claims or circumstances arising after that date. Accordingly as the person's entitlements were not affected at that time, he does not qualify for the transitional payment.
When his wife became entitled to benefit in her own right the total weekly rate of social welfare entitlement to the husband and wife increased from £96.30, payable to the person for himself and his wife, to £110.80 by way of a weekly rate of £55.40 disability benefit for the person and £55.40 unemployment benefit for his wife.
102.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who have been incapable of work for at least one year and who are likely to remain permanently incapable of work, and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
One of the contribution conditions for invalidity pension is that the claimant has qualifying contributions or credited contributions in respect of not fewer than 48 contribution weeks in the last complete contribution year before the date of the claim.
The contribution year at present governing entitlement to invalidity pension is the period from April 1986 to April 1987. According to the Department's records there are no such weeks of insurable employment registered in respect of the person concerned during either of the income tax years, 1985-86 or 1986-87.
A deciding officer has accordingly decided that he is not entitled to invalidity pension. It should also be noted that the person concerned is not eligible at present for disability benefit on the gounds that he does not have sufficient contributions paid or credited on his behalf in the 1985-86 governing contribution year.
103.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive payment of disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 9 February 1987. She was not entitled to benefit at the commencement of her claim as according to the available records she had less than the minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1985-86, the year governing her claim.
Following inquiries it was established that she had sufficient contributions paid and credited in 1985-86 to qualify for benefit at the weekly personal rate of £39.55. All benefit payable to 20 March 1987, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to her.
104.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the refusal of a disability benefit claim of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly and if contributions paid in the United Kingdom will qualify for benefit in 1987-88.
The person concerned was last insurably employed in the United Kingdom. Under the EEC Regulations on Social Security his claim for sickness benefit is, therefore, the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Accordingly, the claim, medical certification and details of the claimant's Irish insurance record were forwarded to the UK authorities on 6 December 1986.
The UK authorities investigated the claim and informed the claimant on 19 February 1987 that he was not entitled to payment of benefit.
On 3 March 1987 an inquiry on behalf of the claimant was made to the UK authorities, who indicated that further consideration would be given to the claim.
The UK authorities were again contacted on 3 April 1987 and advised that it has now been decided that the claimant is entitled to payment of benefit. Payment of all moneys due will be issued shortly.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly for invalidity pension; and when a pension book will issue to him.
Invalidity pension has been awarded from 13 November 1986. A pension book payable from 26 March 1987 has been issued to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 13 November 1986 to 26 March 1987, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, will be paid by payable order on 10 April 1987.