asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the eligibility of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford for a free electricity allowance will be reconsidered in view of the fact she requires constant care and attention.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
47.
To qualify for a free electricity allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must reside entirely alone or with persons who come within certain excepted categories.
A person who provides full-time care and attention to an invalided applicant is accepted as coming within the categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme. Where care is provided otherwise than on a full-time basis — for example where the carer is working outside the home — a free electricity allowance is not payable.
The allowance was withdrawn from the person concerned as her daughter, with whom she resides, is engaged in part-time employment and does not, therefore, come within the categories whose residence is accepted for the purposes of the living-alone condition.
48.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will ensure that payment is made before Christmas.
The person concerned made a renewed claim for unemployment assistance on 22 November 1988 and is being paid at the weekly rate of £29.20 which is the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £106.20 less means of £77 derived from the profit from his self-employment.
He requested a review of his means on 22 November 1988 and his papers have been returned to the social welfare officer for reinvestigation. These inquiries will be completed as soon as possible and his case will be submitted to a deciding officer for assessment of means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the assessment.