Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

70 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a £3 smokeless fuel allowance was discontinued and that no free fuel allowance is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 who is receiving a disability benefit; whether this person is entitled to both with effect from the commencement of the winter season 1992/1993; and if he will review this matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

It has not been possible to trace any claim or social insurance record relating to the person concerned on the basis of the details supplied. If the Deputy can supply my Department with further information, such as the person's Revenue and Social Insurance number, I will have the case examined without delay.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

71 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in respect of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly for a free electricity allowance and a free telephone rental allowance.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned applied for Free Telephone Rental Allowance and Free Electricity Allowance in December 1992. He was subsequently awarded entitlement to Free Telephone Rental Allowance with effect from 21 December 1992 — the date of receipt of his application. He was also awarded entitlement to Free Electricity Allowance from 1 February 1993— the commencement of the first ESB billing period following receipt of his application.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

72 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly for a free telephone rental allowance.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

One of the conditions for receipt of Free Telephone Rental Allowance is that the applicant must reside alone or only with certain excepted categories of persons. Such categories comprise children under age 15 or other people who are so permanently incapacitated that they cannot summon assistance in an emergency.

The person concerned applied for Free Telephone Rental Allowance in February 1990. His application was disallowed at the time as his household circumstances did not satisfy the conditions of the scheme. My Department has no record of a more recent application from him.

In the light of the Deputy's Question, an application form for this allowance has been issued now to the person concerned. If he feels that he now fulfils the qualifying conditions of the scheme, he should complete the application form and return it to my Department as soon as possible. His entitlement to Free Telephone Rental Allowance will then be decided and he will be notified of the outcome without delay.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

73 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the issue of disability benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned was last paid Disability Benefit from 12 March 1992 to 14 March 1992. Despite an extensive search of my Department no trace has been found of a subsequent claim from him for Disability Benefit.

He claimed Unemployment Benefit from 2 February 1993 to 6 February 1993 for which he received two days payment, the first three days being waiting days.