Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Austin Deasy

Question:

50 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of arrears of orphans allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in Waterford; the reason for the non-payment of child benefit to the person which was not issued to a guardian; if he will also consider continued payment of the orphans allowance to this person on reaching the age of 21 years in view of the fact that she is in her second year of a four year university course and will not have the means to continue her education; and if he will make special provision in this case in view of the circumstances involved.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. Daly)

There is no provision under social welfare legislation which would permit orphan's pension to continue beyond the age of 21 years. Orphan's pension is payable up to 18 years in all cases and payment can continue during periods of fulltime education up to 21 years of age.

There was a delay in identifying a person who was willing to act as guardian for the purpose of child benefit in this case. Recently a guardian for this purpose was appointed by my Department and arrears of child benefit, totalling £180.60, have been paid to the guardian.

Due to an administrative error there was a delay in paying arrears or orphan's pension for a period in 1990. The case was complicated by the loss of the pension book, a change in relation to the person entitled to receive the pension and the arrangements which had to be made to continue payment after age 18 when it has been established that the orphan concerned was continuing in full time education. Additional arrears of £307.40 are due to her for this period and she should receive a cheque for this amount shortly.

Changes are being introduced to streamline the continuation of payments up to age 21 in full time education cases. I believe that these new measures will eliminate delays such as arose in this case.