asked the Minister for Social Welfare, arising out of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 1 March 1988, if the investigation into entitlement to unemployment assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 is complete; the outcome of that investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
58.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was suspended on and from 10 February 1988 pending reinvestigation of his means. Following reinvestigation, his claim was formally disallowed with effect from that date.
He appealed against the disallowance and an oral hearing of his case was held on 9 March 1989. The hearing was adjourned and will resume at a later date. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
59.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded disability benefit payments up to the last date of claim in view of the fact that his appeal was successful; the reason he was subsequently informed that he was out of benefit in relation to PRSI contributions; and the payments to which he is entitled.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 22 June 1987. Payment was disallowed from 27 May 1988 following an examination by a medical referee who considered him to be capable of work. He appealed this decision and was found incapable of work from 27 May 1988. The person concerned claimed unemployment payments while awaiting a decision on his appeal and the amount of unemployment payments paid from 27 May 1988 to 18 June 1988 was treated as paid on account of disability benefit.
Under the Social Welfare Regulations a person with less than 260 contributions paid is not entitled to payment of disability benefit for more than 52 weeks. The person concerned has a total of 254 contributions paid and therefore exhausted his entitlement to payment of benefit on 18 June 1988. He would need a further six contributions paid to requalify for disability benefit. He is currently in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £40.65.
60.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in the case of an application for a widow's contributory pension by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; whether the delay is reasonable; and the steps he proposes to take to conclude the matter.
Legal advice had to be obtained on the marital status of the claimant before a decision could be given on the claim. This advice has only now come to hand and the person concerned is entitled to widow's contributory pension. Arrangements are being made to have the pension put into payment immediately.
61.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when his Department will consider the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who has applied for an invalidity pension; and when a pension will be awarded to the person concerned.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements have been made to have the person concerned examined by a medical referee on 6 April 1989 for determination of entitlement.
62.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth was certified fit for work when he had advanced arthritis in his spine; and if he will reconsider his case.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 15 December 1988, after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee on 22 February 1989 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He was advised of the result on this examination on 28 February 1989 and was supplied with a form, for return within 21 days, on which to set out grounds for an appeal if he wishes to pursue his case.
63.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Payment of benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 5 December 1988 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed the disallowance and was examined on 25 January 1989 by a different medical referee who also considered him capable of work. His case is now being referred to an appeals officer for determination.
64.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit from 12 June 1987 to 3 November 1988, when she claimed disability benefit. She was paid disability benefit to 18 February 1989, on which date she submitted a final medical certificate. She does not appear to have been in touch with her local employment payments office since 3 November 1988. If she is now unemployed, she should contact her local office where she will be advised of her entitlements to further benefit or assistance.