asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made with regard to an old age pension appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
147.
The person concerned appealed against the deciding officer's decision to award him a reduced rate old age non-contributory pension. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing in order to provide the person concerned with an opportunity to present his case. The person concerned will be notified of the time, date and venue of this hearing as soon as possible.
148.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 has been refused a free fuel allowance; and if payment will be made in this case.
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 excepted categories.
The person concerned is not entitled to free fuel allowance as her daughter, who is not a qualified person for the purposes of this scheme, resides in the household.
149.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant a free telephone rental allowance to persons (details supplied) in view of the nature of both of their illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To qualify for a free telephone rental allowance, a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must be living alone, or only with children under 15 years of age or with other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
According to the information supplied, the latter condition of the scheme was not satisfied in the case of the person concerned. A request has now issued, however, for further medical evidence, to enable the case be reviewed.