asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in respect of the period July to September 1979.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
260.
The person concerned was not entitled to unemployment benefit at the date of his claim on 29 July 1979 as his 1978 insurance card, on which his title depended, had not been lodged. It has now been established that the card was received in the Department in September 1979 but the notification of this information to the Employment Exchange, Waterford on the 19 September 1979 does not appear to have reached that office. The claimant's contact with the local office ceased on 14 October 1979.
The matter is now being put right and arrangements have been made to pay arrears of unemployment benefit to him this week in respect of the period from 29 July 1979 to 14 October 1979.
I regret the delay which has occurred in dealing with the case.
261.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a social assistance allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin; and the amount of the arrears due.
The person concerned claimed a social assistance allowance on 13 March 1980 and was awarded the allowance at the maximum rate with effect from 7 February 1980. An allowance order book, payable from 12 June 1980, issued to the designated post office for collection by her on 11 June 1980.
She was paid maternity allowance from 7 February 1980 to 15 March 1980 and disability benefit from 17 March 1980 to 30 May 1980 at the full rates. In view of the award of social assistance allowance she was only entitled to these benefits at half the appropriate rate in each case.
A payable order for £304.94, being arrears of social assistance allowance, less the amount of maternity allowance, and disability benefit overpaid, issued direct to the person concerned on 24 June 1980.
262.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting free electricity allowance to persons (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The application from the persons named was delayed due to extreme pressure of work in the relevant section of my Department. The application has now been approved with effect from the February/March 1980 billing period. I regret any inconvenience caused by the delay.