Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Ivor Callely

Question:

114 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an applicant for benefit receives full payment when a fresh claim is being processed; his understanding of the payment for the first three days; if he has satisfied himself with the procedures in place; the consideration, if any, he has given to this matter; his understanding of the benefit such an applicant depends and lives on for the three days in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13042/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Under the legislation, a person who claims disability-injury benefit or an unemployment payment is not normally paid for the first three days, which are known as waiting days. Where, however, the person had a recent claim in respect of any of these schemes, payment may be made from the first day of the claim.

Waiting days have been a feature of these schemes since their inception and are a feature of similar social security schemes in many countries.

I would emphasise, however, that people who need financial support are not left without such support during those days. A person who has no other income may claim supplementary welfare allowance in respect of the days in question.

Michael Ring

Question:

115 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo qualifies for unemployment benefit in view of the fact that the person is available for work at any time. [13046/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 20 August 1996 following the termination of her employment contract. She was disallowed on the basis that she was not available for work. She appealed against this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office and following an oral hearing on 11 December 1996 the decision was upheld. The person concerned was informed of the outcome of her appeal on 23 December 1996.

Since then, a number of further questions in relation to the case have been raised and these are being examined. The appeals officer will consider the position further in this case.