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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1987

Vol. 376 No. 10

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

59.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the exceptional circumstances of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 7 where neither person has worked in eight years and where one has been in receipt of prisoner's wife's allowance since February 1982, which was less than the amount in unemployment assistance which they have received since July, 1987, he will review their application for free fuel allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The national fuel scheme applies to persons in receipt of long term social welfare or health board payments who are either living alone or only with certain categories of persons. This year for the first time the scheme has been extended to persons in receipt of long term unemployment assistance.

One of the persons concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance in respect of himself, his wife and two dependent children. At present he is only entitled to payment at the short term rate and does not, therefore, come within the eligible categories for entitlement to a fuel allowance under this scheme. His spouse is not in receipt of a qualifying payment and is, therefore, ineligible for entitlement to a fuel allowance.

60.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork, payment of which is several weeks overdue.

One of the conditions for payment of disability benefit is that at least 39 contributions must be paid at the appropriate rate since entry into insurable employment. According to the records of the Department the person concerned has paid only 30 contributions since entry into insurable employment and does not, therefore, qualify for payment of benefit.

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