asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has had his social welfare benefit reduced; and the reason his dependent allowance for his daughter was not reinstated as she was released from prison last year.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
20.
The person concerned has been in receipt of invalidity pension from 21 June 1984. Up to 28 May 1986 he was paid invalidity pension at the rate appropriate to a married man with two qualified children. The daughter of the person concerned was committed to prison on 9 May 1986. As an increase of pension is not payable in respect of a person serving a prison sentence the rate of pension of the person concerned was reduced accordingly. The person concerned notified the Department on 7 January 1987 that his daughter had been released from prison but did not give the exact date of release. On her release she spent some time in England.
An inspector of the Department called on the person concerned to determine the definite date she resumed residence in the household. This information was not made available and the inspector has been requested to call again.
When this information is received any arrears of pension that may be due will be paid without delay. Any increase of pension in respect of this child may only be paid to 11 March 1987 when she reached the age of 18.
Since the introduction of the equality provisions on 20 November 1986, the person concerned is being paid invalidity pension at the rate of £67.60 that is £47.10 personal rate; £10.50 in respect of one qualified child and a transitional alleviating payment of £10.
The person concerned has now indicated to the Department that his wife has not been earning in excess of £50 per week. He has been requested to return his £10 pension book in order that the full adult dependant allowance can be restored to him from 20 November 1986.