asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo since July 1980.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
331.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit under the occupational injuries scheme on 11 August 1980 in respect of an accident at work on 7 July 1980. Following inquiries made from the employer the claim for injury benefit has been allowed. Payment of benefit due in respect of the period of claim from 7 July 1980 to 4 September 1980 has been made.
332.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of social welfare non-contributory pension payable to any retired farmer under the Social Welfare Act, 1980, who has assigned 99 acres of a former holding of 100 acres, having a land valuation of £100, to a member of his family at least three years previously, having no other cash income in 1980 and having no legal property other than one acre of land in a rural area and a small dwelling having a valuation not exceeding £20.
If the income of the person concerned does not exceed £6 a week he would be entitled to a non-contributory old age pension at the maximum rate, which is at present £21 a week. I should stress, however, that it is not possible to be certain of the position in a hypothetical case and that the amount of pension payable in any particular case can only be determined by decision of a local pension committee following a means assessment carried out by a social welfare officer. I would suggest that if the Deputy has an actual case in mind the best course of action would be to get the person concerned to apply for a pension and have a formal decision given in his case.