Vol. 515 No. 5
82 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a pension book, which was returned on 26 November 1999, will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6468/00]
The person concerned was in receipt of old age non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £67.50 based on means of £22.00 a week, derived from capital and a British retirement pension. Under the legislation, she is assessed with half the value of capital held and half the value of other income which she and her spouse is receiving.
A review of her entitlement to old age non-contributory pension was initiated in October last. In this regard, a local officer arranged an appointment to interview the couple on 14 October 1999. However, the couple did not make themselves available for interview. A reminder issued to them on 29 October 1999 affording a further opportunity to make themselves available for interview within 21 days. The person concerned was also advised that her pension would be suspended if she did not furnish the information being sought. As the information was not supplied by her, a notice of suspension of payment was issued to her in November 1999. She returned her pension book to the Department after cashing the payable order dated 19 November 1999.
To date the information needed to determine her entitlement, if any, has not been received. As soon as this information is received, a revised decision will be made and she will be informed of the outcome without delay.
83 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be allowed to join a FÁS scheme in view of the fact that she has signed on for credits for a period of eight years although she did not get any payment. [6475/00]
Persons currently in receipt of an unemployment payment for 12 months or more are among those eligible for inclusion in FÁS community employment.
The person concerned exhausted her entitlement to an unemployment payment in 1995. She is currently signing the live register for credited contributions only and is not eligible for community employment on this basis.
