Vol. 397 No. 3
117 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a rent subsidy was refused by the community welfare officer at Ballinteer, Dublin 16, to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the provisions of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the payment of assistance towards rent is a matter for determination by the health board.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that the persons concerned were requested, in connection with their application for a rent supplement, to make available certain documentation relating to the sale of a house but have not done so. As a consequence, their means could not be established and the claim for a rent allowance was refused. This decision was upheld by the board's appeals officer.
If the persons concerned are now prepared to furnish the documentation in question, it is open to them to reapply to the health board for a rent supplement.
118 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an extended travelling card will be made available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who has a medical condition and who needs to travel during peak periods for medical investigations and tests.
The free travel scheme applies to all residents of the State aged 66 years or over. The scheme also applies to registered blind persons over 18 years and to certain categories of disabled persons under 66 years who are in receipt of a qualifying payment. The scheme also applies to spouses under age 66 for journeys on which they accompany the qualified person.
119 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age contributory pension payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in Limerick is only £94 per week.
The pension in payment to the person included an increase in respect of his wife at the "under 66" rate. She attained 66 years in 1987 but the rate was not adjusted at the time. This has been corrected and the rate of pension now in payment has been recently increased from £94.00 per week to £100.40 per week with effect from 29 December 1989. The person concerned did not contact the Department about this matter before now.
120 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age non-contributory pension has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in Limerick; if he has received an appeal in respect of the person's claim; and when a decision will be made in relation to that appeal.
The person concerned was refused old age non-contributory pension as her means as assessed exceed the statutory limit of £54.00 per week.
The person concerned has been deemed to be in beneficial occupation of a holding and she has been assessed with the letting value of a holding. In addition, she has been assessed with the capital derived from payments made to her under the milk cessation scheme.
A will in favour of the person's son has not yet been given full effect and the information available indicates that the solicitors concerned were advised not to proceed with the administration of the estate.
The Deputy made representations in this case on 1 March 1990 and an appeal form was issued to the person concerned. This form has not yet been returned to the Department. On receipt of the completed appeal form the case will be forwarded to the appeals officer for determination.
121 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in reaching a decision on a claim for disability benefit made by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a decision will be reached in this case.
The person concerned appealed the disallowance of disability benefit following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
122 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 whose widower's non-contributory pension was discontinued; and if he will allow a claim for a contributory widower's pension in this case.
To qualify for a widower's non-contributory pension an applicant must have a qualified child residing with him. A qualified child for the purposes of widower's pension is one under the age 18 years, or under 21 years if in full-time education.
The person concerned was in receipt of widower's pension until his daughter's 18th birthday on 13 March 1990. In the absence of documentary evidence that his daughter is continuing in full-time education, his pension was terminated with effect from 15 March 1990.
If his daughter is in full time education he should furnish a certificate from her school or college to this effect and his pension will be restored. If she has left school, the person concerned may reapply for unemployment assistance at his employment exchange.
There is no provision for a contributory widower's pension scheme.
