asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this pension was awarded on 19 May 1989.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
140.
The person concerned applied for old age non-contributory pension on 17 May 1989. Following an investigation of the case it was decided on 27 June 1989 that she was entitled to pension at the reduced weekly rate of £16.50 with effect from 19 May 1989. This is the rate of pension appropriate to weekly means of £37.97.
The husband of the person concerned is entitled to receive £43.70 per week adult dependant allowance on his contributory pension in respect of her. As both the increase of his pension and pension to her cannot be paid at the same time, it was decided that the more beneficial adult dependant allowance should continue in payment.
141.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free fuel allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
In order to qualify for a free fuel allowance, a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must reside entirely alone or only with persons who come within certain categories.
As the person concerned is residing with his daughter, who is not a qualified person for the purposes of this scheme, he is not entitled to this allowance.
142.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an appeal against disability in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 12 August 1989 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 of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 25 September 1989, who also considered him capable of work.
He requested that his case be sent to an appeals officer for determination. Following an examination of the case the appeals officer decided to hold an oral hearing to allow the person concerned to present his case personally. The appellant will be advised of the venue, date and time of the hearing when arrangements are complete.
143.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in relation to an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary against the refusal of an old age non-contributory pension.
The person concerned applied for an old age non-contributory pension on 3 July 1989. His application was rejected as his weekly means of £72.06, derived mainly from his holding, exceeded the statutory limit of £54.00 per week.
The person concerned has appealed the decision of the deciding officer. Before this appeal can be processed it has been necessary to obtain clarification on the precise grounds of appeal.
On completion of these inquiries the case will be passed to an appeals officer for determination and the person concerned will be informed of the outcome without delay.