Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 8

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Allowance.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

67 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 has not been awarded a living alone allowance or paid any arrears despite repeated representations by her and guarantees from his Department that the allowance and all arrears would be paid; the reason, in recent contact with his Department she was told, contrary to all the replies previously given, that his Department knew nothing of any application for a living alone allowance; when the living alone allowance will be granted; when arrears will be paid; the amount of such arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned applied for old age contributory pension on 18 July 1989 and was awarded a maximum rate pension of £58.50 a week from 12 August 1989. A pension book issued to her local post office on 25 August 1989.

Due to an oversight in my Department, a decision regarding living alone allowance was not made until 7 February 1990. This allowance has now been awarded from 12 August 1989 — date of award of pension. The appropriate allowance book with payable orders commencing 5 January 1990 issued on 12 February 1990 to the pensioner's local post office for collection. Arrears of living alone allowance amounting to £84.70 in respect of the period 12 August 1989 to 4 January 1990 will be forwarded by payable order direct to the person concerned within the next five days. The inconvenience caused due to the oversight is very much regretted.