Ivor Callely
Question:93 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline (1) the number of families who qualified for the family income supplement in 1990 and (2) the average payment made.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Almost 7,000 families were awarded a family income supplement in 1990. The average payment at December 1990 was £27.
John O'Leary
Question:94 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the application of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry for old age non-contributory pension was refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It was determined by an appeals officer on 23 January 1991 that the persons concerned were not entitled to pension. The appeals officer held that the relinquishing of director's fees by one of the persons concerned and the subsequent transfer of their shareholding in a registered company was done by them in order to qualify for old age pension.
The Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981, provides that a person who deprives himself of income or property in order to qualify for old age non-contributory pension continues to be assessed with the means in question for the purposes of determining entitlement to pension.
The decision of the appeals officer is final and conclusive except where facts or evidence not previously brought to light are disclosed. My Department have not been made aware of any new facts or evidence since the appeal hearing.
John O'Leary
Question:95 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance cannot be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the fact that he has been unemployed for a considerable period and his family cannot support him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 20 November 1990. His application was disallowed on the basis that his means exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of a qualification certificate. He appealed the disallowance on 11 January 1991 and further inquiries were made by the social welfare officer in connection with the appeal. These have now been completed and his case has been referred to the independent social welfare appeals office.
John O'Leary
Question:96 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit cannot be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry having regard to the nature of her illness and to the high level of contributions paid by her; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To qualify for payment of disability benefit, a claimant must have a minimum of 39 contributions paid or credited in the contribution year governing the claim.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 February 1991 to 23 March 1991. In 1989-90, the contribution year governing her claim, she has a record of only 26 contributions paid and four credited contributions. Accordingly, she is not entitled to payment of disability benefit for the period in question.