Vol. 487 No. 3
229 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs whether a reassessment can be arranged urgently for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that his circumstances have changed and he no longer has any means; and if this person is entitled to the free fuel allowance. [3763/98]
The person concerned is the joint owner of a farm. Under the relevant legislation, the yearly value of such property, whether put to profitable use or not, is assessable as means for old age pension purposes.
Part of the holding has been transferred to the person's niece and his means are being assessed on the basis of a half share of the remaining lands. This assessment is based on the previous actual letting income from the lands.
On the basis of this assessment the person concerned has been awarded a reduced rate old age non-contributory pension of £43.50 per week, payable from 6 February 1998 — the Friday following his 66th birthday.
He is not entitled to a fuel allowance. Only one such allowance is payable in a household, and in this case it is in payment to the other resident family member.
