Vol. 411 No. 8
84 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit payment was discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick as this has caused financial and emotional hardship; and if he will restore this payment as soon as possible.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 22 July 1989.
She was examined by a medical referee on 2 October 1991 who expressed the opinion that she is now capable of work. Accordingly, the deciding officer has disallowed her claim with effect from 10 October 1991.
She was notified in writing on 25 October about this decision and of her right to appeal.
85 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded an old age non-contributory pension on an appeal basis; if so, when; and the rate of payment.
The person concerned applied for an old non-contributory pension in 1986. Her application was disallowed on the grounds that her means exceeded the limit for receipt of this pension. She reapplied in May 1991 and again her claim was disallowed. She appealed against this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office and the appeal was disallowed by the appeals officer on the grounds that she did not fulfil the statutory conditions as to means. The appeals officer considered that she had divested herself of £33,400 in order to qualify for the receipt of a pension. This amount is still assessed against her and the yearly value of this sum exceeds the statutory means limit.
