Vol. 407 No. 9
151 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will agree to the request of persons (details supplied) in County Monaghan for a free telephone rental allowance in view of the special circumstances of the case where their infant daughter has acute leukaemia.
The free telephone rental allowance scheme applies to persons who are currently in receipt of certain qualifying payments and who are living alone or only with specified persons.
As neither of the persons concerned are in receipt of a qualifying payment, the recent application by the child's father for this allowance had to be rejected.
The persons concerned should contact their local community welfare officer who may be in a position to assist them through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in paying the rental costs of their telephone.
152 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if payment of sickness benefit will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly, as this person has been informed by the Department that she is entitled to same.
A claim for injury benefit was received from the person concerned on 12 February 1991 arising from an accident she had at work on 6 September 1990.
Following investigation, injury benefit was awarded to her with effect from 25 January 1991 which was the first day she was medically certified as being incapable of work. Injury benefit at the weekly rate of £81.70 in respect of herself and her three dependent children was authorised from 25 January to 6 March 1991, the end of the 26 week injury benefit period which commenced at the date of the accident. Her weekly rate increased to £87.10 from 15 February 1991 when pay-related benefit became payable.
153 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding the appeal lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision not to grant an old age non-contributory pension at the maximum rate to her; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In order to determine the appeal in this case, the social welfare appeals office requested the social welfare officer to establish if the person concerned was in receipt of income from the lease of her land.
Since last October, the social welfare officer has been in touch with the person concerned and her solicitors on several occasions to establish the position. These inquiries were concluded only recently.
The case of the person concerned has now been returned to the social welfare appeals office to determine her appeal. She will be notified of the outcome by that office as soon as possible.
154 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes to introduce a widower's pension for widowers with no child dependants.
The question of introducing a pension for widowers without dependent children will be considered in the light of the recommendations of the National Pensions Board on the development of a new national pensions system. The board's report on this matter is expected to be completed by mid summer. This question will also arise in the context of proposals published by the EC Commission for a directive aimed at completing the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. These proposals are still under discussion.
155 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the new documentary evidence submitted, he will grant a free fuel allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim.
The person concerned was refused this allowance in October 1990 as he was in receipt of income exceeding £5 per week from the letting of land, and also had access to his own turf supply.
On foot of new information furnished by the Deputy recently, this case has been referred to the social welfare officer for reinvestigation. The person concerned will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
