asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who was in receipt of unemployment benefit has now been assessed at nil contribution; and if he will make arrangements to have his claim re-examined.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
55.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit from 25 December 1986. From 4 January 1988 his entitlement to disability benefit is based on his insurance record for the 1986-1987 contribution year.
When his record was examined it was initially considered that he was qualified for payment at a reduced personal rate from 4 January 1988 as there were only 33 credited contributions recorded for that contribution year.
However, it was subsequently established that he had a number of paid contributions in addition to the credited contributions registered for the 1986-1987 tax year and therefore qualified for payment at the maximum personal rate of disability benefit.
Accordingly payment was issued at the maximum rate from 4 January 1988. All benefit payable has been issued on receipt of weekly medical evidence of incapacity to 18 January 1988, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
56.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who was refused disability benefit.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 24 October 1987 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who considered him to be capable of work.
He appealed against this decision and was examined by another medical referee on 9 December 1987 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He was informed of the result of this examination and was supplied with a form on which to set out the grounds for appeal if he wished to have his case referred to an appeals officer for determination. He did not return this form and accordingly his appeal was withdrawn.
57.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford has been refused invalidity pension; and if the application will be reviewed.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
The person concerned last applied for invalidity pension on 4 December 1987. He has been informed that, in order to determine his entitlement to pension, it will be necessary to have him examined by a medical referee of the Department.
Arrangements have been made for the examination on 4 February 1988. Entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of the medical referee.