Jim Higgins
Question:55 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in awarding a non-contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned applied for the pension in March 1990. The application was referred to the local social welfare officer for investigation of her means on 12 March 1990.
He was authorised to seek certain information from her banks. No reply was received to written queries sent to the banks in question on 22 March. Accordingly, the officer wrote to the person concerned on 24 April 1990 seeking documentary evidence from the banks. She has not replied to date. On receipt of her reply her application will be processed and an early decision given.
The person concerned made two earlier applications in September 1986 and March 1987. These applications were not successful.
John O'Leary
Question:56 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied for same on 2 September 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 2 February 1990 on reaching 18 years of age.
His means have recently been assessed at £3.10 a week derived from the value of board and lodgings in his father's farm. However, a doubt has arisen in connection with his availability for employment and further investigations are necessary to determine whether he satisfies this statutory condition. These investigations are now being completed and a decision will be given soon in the case.
Once a decision has been made he will be informed of the outcome without delay.