asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 has been refused a rent allowance; if he will reconsider her position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits
64.
Under the provisions of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the determination of whether a rent supplement should be paid in any case is a matter for the health board. It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that the person concerned, whose rent is £40 a week, received a rent supplement for a period of ten months to December 1988. The supplement was discontinued on the grounds that she refused an offer of local authority housing made to her in September 1988. The person concerned appealed against the decision and her appeal was refused. However, her case is at present being re-examined in the light of further evidence which she has submitted in regard to her circumstances and she will be notified of the outcome by the health board.
65.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will have an appeal hearing before an appeals officer in relation to his disability benefit appeal.
Payment of benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 12 August 1988 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 8 December 1988 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
His appeal has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer may decide the case summarily or may consider that an oral hearing is necessary. If an oral hearing is to take place the person concerned will be informed when the final arrangements have been made.
66.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is in receipt of disability benefit will be considered for invalidity pension; and, if so, when.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
Arrangements are now being made to have the person concerned examined by a medical referee for determination of his entitlement to invalidity pension.