Vol. 439 No. 5
80 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the decision to allow a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 disability benefit of only £25 per week on which to live; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
83 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the position of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who has been refused unemployment assistance because of his disability and receives an income of £25 per week disability benefit on which to live; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 80 and 83 together.
To qualify for payment of unemployment assistance a person must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work. S/he must also satisfy a means test.
While a person is certified as incapable of work by a medical practitioner he cannot be considered for payment of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 12 October 1993 and he claimed disability benefit from 5 October 1993. From 4 January 1993 the rate of benefit payable depends on the persons level of earnings in the governing contribution year.
The person concerned has no earnings in the governing contribution year and payment has therefore been authorised at the weekly rate of £25 which is the maximum rate of disability benefit appropriate in this case. He is also in receipt of a smokeless fuel allowance of £3 per week.
