Jim Mitchell
Question:267 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the arrears of payments due to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [22644/96]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned died on 1 September 1996. The last payable order in her pension book was cashed on 30 August 1996. There are no arrears of pension due.
Six weeks payments of old age non-contributory pension after the death of a pensioner is only payable to the pensioner's spouse. As her spouse predeceased her, the payment of six weeks pension does not apply.
Death grant is a payment based on PRSI contributions of the deceased person or their spouse. Neither the person nor spouse had paid PRSI contributions and consequently a death grant is not payable in this case.
Noel Davern
Question:268 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that part-time firemen in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, are allowed social welfare payments for a 13 week period following the payment of benefit for a 15 month period; if he will have arrangements made to have payment in respect of a 13 week period deducted on an average basis over a 15 month period by agreement with the firemen concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22648/96]
Unemployment benefit is normally paid for a period of up to 15 months. A person who exhausts their 15-month entitlement may re-qualify for benefit after working and paying PRSI contributions for a further 13 weeks. While requalifying for benefit a person, may, if she or he continues to be unemployed for part of the week, claim unemployment assistance, which is subject to a means test. In determining the appropriate rate of assistance, account is taken of the person's means, including earnings from employment.
The weekly rates of unemployment benefit and assistance and the method of assessment of means are specified in social welfare legislation. There is no provision in the legislation to make arrangements along the lines suggested by the Deputy.