Michael Ring
Question:305 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo suffering from diabetes has been refused a disability allowance. [6903/98]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:306 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo failed to satisfy a medical examination for disability allowance. [6904/98]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.
One of the qualifying conditions for entitlement to disability allowance is that a person, by reason of a specified disability, is substantially handicapped in undertaking suitable employment having regard to the person's age, experience and qualifications. This would mean that the person's capacity to undertake or carry out employment would be substantially less than that of a person without the disability in question.
The person concerned, who is at present in receipt of deserted wife's benefit, applied for disability allowance on 9 January 1998. She was examined by a medical assessor of my Department who was of the view that she did not satisfy the medical criteria for receipt of disability allowance. Arrangements are now being made to have her re-examined by a different medical assessor, following which the case will be considered by an appeals officer.
Seán Haughey
Question:307 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will classify twins as multiple births so that parents of twins can receive the same benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6975/98]
The Social Welfare Bill, 1998, includes provisions which will give legislative effect to the range of enhancements to the child benefit scheme announced in the 1998 budget.
In so far as the position of twins is concerned, provision is being made for a payment of 150 per cent of the normal child benefit rate for twins. In effect, where there are twins in a family, each child will receive one and a half times the appropriate rate of child benefit.
Provision is also being made in the Bill for increases in the rate of child benefit of £1.50 per month for the first two children and £3 per month for all subsequent children, to bring the monthly rates to £31.50 and £42 respectively.
Finally, provision is being made for increases in the grants payable on the birth of three or more children to bring them into line with the existing arrangements for twins. Where three or more children are born together, a grant of £500 will be payable and where such children reach four and 12 years of age, further grants of £500 will also be payable.