Michael Ring
Question:226 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason the unemployment assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was reduced to £21.50 per week. [23264/97]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Following a review of his entitlement the person concerned was assessed with weekly means of £46.00 from 19 November 1997, namely, the benefit and privilege of board and lodgings. This assessment entitles him to payment of unemployment assistance at the reduced weekly rate of £21.50 from that date.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose was issued to him on 26 November 1997. On receipt of the completed form his case will be forwarded to the independent social welfare appeals office for consideration.
Brendan Howlin
Question:227 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a free fuel allowance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in spite of the fact he only resides with his wife who is a dependent for pension purposes and her earnings are below £60 per week; if his Department will review this application for free fuel allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23269/97]
Under the means condition for the national fuel scheme there is a limit on the amount of income which a claimant or members of the household can have in addition to the social welfare payment and still qualify for the allowance. The income limit is currently £15.00 per week effective from October 1996. In this case the spouse of the person concerned has weekly income from employment in excess of £15.00 per week and he is, therefore, not entitled to a fuel allowance under the scheme.