Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 8

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard Allen

Question:

42 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare , further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 12 December 1989 in relation to the £50 limit in the equalisation provision for social welfare benefits in which he stated that this figure is reviewed on a regular basis in light of increases in the general level of earnings and other relevant factors, when this figure was last reviewed; and when it will be reviewed again in light of increases in the general level of earnings and other relevant factors.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Under the arrangements for equal treatment in matters of social security under EC Directive 79/7 the definition of dependency in the social welfare code had to be revised. Under the revised arrangements a spouse cannot be regarded as an adult dependant where he or she is either in receipt of a social welfare payment in their own right or has earnings in excess of £50 a week from employment or self-employment.

In considering what changes, if any, are warranted in the £50 limit the report of the working group which is examining the treatment of households generally in the social welfare code, with particular reference to the equal treatment provisions will be taken into account. I expect that this report will be available in the near future.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

43 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange an immediate medical examination for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly, who has appealed the decision of a disability benefit claim.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 11 October 1989 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee on 4 October 1989 who considered her to be capable of work.

She appealed against this decision and was examined by another medical referee on 6 December 1989 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

In cases where disallowance of benefit is continued following an examination by a second medical referee such persons are invited to submit, if they so wish, an appeal for determination by an appeals officer.

The person concerned has submitted an appeal and it has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of her claim as soon as possible.