Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard Allen

Question:

258 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason women who have been signing on for credits for years are being cut off even though they have indicated that they are available for work; the reason they are informed of the decision to cut them off credits by a scribbled signature stating that an appeal should be sent to the signatory within 21 days in view of the fact that the signature is illegible and claimants do not know who to write to; if he will have investigations made into the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason previous commitments given that people would receive properly signed letters are not being adhered to; and if the questionnaires sent to women signing on for credits will be more specific in the questions asked in future. [14908/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

One of the conditions for the receipt of credited contributions is that the recipient is available for work. The condition "available for work" requires that the person should be available for full-time work.

As part of the ongoing control programme in the Department, the continuing entitlement of all persons, including persons signing for credits, is being reviewed in light, inter alia, of the large number of job vacancies arising in various sectors of the economy.

The person concerned has been signing for credits since 1989. Following a recent review, her claim was disallowed by a deciding officer with effect from 11 June 1998 on the grounds that she is not available for full-time work.

The questionnaires used are very specific and decisions on the continued entitlement to credits are based on the answers provided by claimants to questions regarding the availability for work. The person concerned indicated when completing the questionnaire that she was not available for full-time work.

It is normal practice for correspondence to the public to be properly signed. Regrettably a batch of decisions issued recently from the local office involved without proper signatures and steps have been taken to ensure that this does not recur. Any inconvenience caused in this instance is regretted.