asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive the result of his appeal for disability benefit.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
90.
An oral hearing of the appeal will be held on 16 November 1988 and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
91.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of benefit will be paid ot a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned was awarded retirement pension with effect from 14 July 1988 at the rate of £87.60 per week, increasing to £90.30 with effect from 28 July 1988. This amount includes an increase in respect of his wife. Prior to reaching pension age, the claimant was in receipt of a disability benefit which continued in payment up to and including 10 August 1988. He was, therefore, issued with a retirement pension book for £90.30 effective from 11 August 1988. All arrears due on his pension for the period 14 July 1988 to 10 August 1988, less the amount of disability benefit paid for the same period, were issued to him by cheque on 17 August 1988.
92.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision of his Department to refuse a qualification certificate to him.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed with effect from 24 July 1987, on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit in his case. He appealed against the decision and an appeals officer assessed him with means of £75 weekly with effect from 24 July 1987. This assessment exceeded the maximum weekly rate of unemployment assistance of £72.20 payable to him at that time.
He made a further claim for unemployment assistance in March 1988 and his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. The inquiries, which have proved to be protracted, are expected to be completed shortly. His case will then be submitted without delay to a deciding officer for assessment of means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of this assessment.
Following the general increase in unemployment assistance rates on 20 July 1988, he became eligible for payment of unemployment assistance of £3.30 weekly being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £78.30, less means of £75. Due to an oversight this payment was not made. Arrangements are being made to have the correct payment, including outstanding arrears, made this week. The inconvenience caused is regretted.
93.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Following reinvestigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed with effect from 6 July 1988 on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means, he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit for receipt of unemployment assistance. He appealed against the disallowance on 7 October 1988 and, arising from contentions raised by him in support of his appeal, his papers were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries.
As soon as the social welfare officer has completed his report the case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the appeal.
94.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when one month's unemployment benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be paid in accordance with a claim made by this person through the employment exchange office in Kenmare some months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned who is a Dutch national was in receipt of unemployment benefit at Kenmare Employment Exchange Office from 5 October 1987 to 6 December 1987 when she returned to the Netherlands. Before her departure, she requested that payment of benefit be transferred to the Netherlands in accordance with the provisions of EC Regulations governing the social security entitlements of migrant workers. The applicant's form was sent to the Dutch social security service on 17 December 1987 authorising them to pay benefit to her for a period of up to three months.
She returned to this country in January 1988 and again claimed unemployment benefit at Kenmare office from 6 January 1988. Payment was made to her with effect from that date until 4 September. She is currently in receipt of maternity allowance at the weekly rate of £43.60.
It has been confirmed from the Dutch authorities that the person concerned had registered as unemployed in the Netherlands from 7 December 1987 to 2 January 1988 but no payment had been made to her in respect of that period. As she is now living in Ireland the Dutch authorities have been requested to pay the arrears of unemployment benefit due to her under the EC Regulations in respect of the period in question at her Irish address.
The Dutch authorities have been contacted several times regarding the delay in forwarding payment of the arrears but for some unexplained reason they have not yet done so. The matter is now being taken up with the Dutch social service liaison officer who deals with questions relating to the transfer of social security entitlements between the Netherlands and other member states of the community.
95.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present sick benefit entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 13 October 1988 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee as soon as possible. His entitlement benefit will then be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.