asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of a nine week social welfare benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and when payment will be made.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
46.
The person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit from 15 April 1986 to 26 January 1988. Payment was disallowed from 27 January 1988 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She made a further claim to disability benefit from 30 March 1988. Before payment can be authorised in respect of this claim a second medical opinion on her incapacity is needed.
Arrangements have been made to have her examined by a medical referee of the Department on 20 June 1988. Her entitlement to payment of disability benefit will be urgently reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
In the meantime her husband, who is in receipt of unemployment benefit, is being paid dependants allowances in respect of her and their children.
47.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in receipt of only £52 and £37 for her two children who are both under 16 years of age.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 14 March 1988 and is currently being paid at the weekly rate of £52.55, the maximum rate appropriate to a married woman with two children, whose spouse is also in receipt of a social welfare payment. In addition, she is also being paid direct, the increase of £7.68 a week which arises on her husband's unemployment assistance claim in respect of their children.
The records of the Department show that disability benefit payment has been issued at regular weekly intervals on receipt of weekly medical evidence and all benefit payable has been issued to date.
48.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will allow the appeal of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is seeking disability benefit, having regard to the fact that the person concerned had a fractured spine which is now giving her recurring problems.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 4 September 1987 after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 22 March 1988 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
Her appeal has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. Appeals officers are statutory officers and I have no power to interfere with their decisions.