asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans his Department has to introduce regulations to provide for pension books to recipients of unemployment assistance who are over 55 years; when these regulations will be introduced; and when books will issue.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
77.
The Department is currently engaged in renewed discussions with the union representing staff at its local offices on the introduction of arrangements whereby persons over age 55 who are in receipt of unemployment assistance at the long-term rate will be permitted to register as unemployed once every three months only while being paid weekly by means of postal warrants at their local post office. It is hoped that, arising from these discussions, agreement will be reached which will enable the arrangements to be introduced at an early date.
Section 28 of the Social Welfare Act, 1988, makes provision for a pre-retirement allowance at unemployment assistance rates for persons on long-term unemployment assistance who have attained a specified age. Under this scheme, which will be optional and will apply to persons over age 60, there will be no requirement to attend to prove unemployment. It is intended that the method of payment will be by means of a book of weekly orders encashable at the post office.
It is proposed to draw up the necessary regulations to bring the pre-retirement allowance into operation as soon as the administrative arrangements are in place.
78.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding the unemployment assistance application of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following investigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding, the income from his self-employment and the value of his capital exceeded the maximum rate payable in his case.
If the person concerned is dissatisified with the decision, it is open to him to appeal and have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his local employment office.