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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 Dec 1981

Vol. 331 No. 12

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

595.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid the farmer's benefit which he is due in respect of the last seven weeks despite the fact that he was getting stamp payments up to mid-September; and if payments will be made immediately.

Inquiries to establish the factual means of the person concerned have not yet been finalised. However, pending the outcome of the inquiries, his claim to unemployment assistance was allowed with a means assessment of £1.05 based on the notional value of his holding (£2.70 PLV).

Payment was authorised at the weekly rate of £38.20 being the maximum rate applicable to a smallholder with a valuation of less than £10.00 (£39.25) less means (£1.05) and as he is a postal applicant an order issued to him last week for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears of unemployment assistance due. Further payment of unemployment assistance will be made as weekly payments become due.

If the factual assessment of his means proves to be more advantageous to him his rate of unemployment assistance will be adjusted and any arrears due will be paid promptly.

596.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim.

Unemployment benefit is not payable to the person concerned as he does not fulfil the statutory contribution requirement of having at least 26 weeks of insurable employment since the date on which he entered into insurance. The records of my Department show that the person concerned had only 22 weeks of insurable employment when he claimed unemployment benefit on 4 December 1980. He is presently signing for credited contributions only.

597.

(Dublin North-West)' asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in Dublin.

An allowance book cashable from December 1981 was re-issued to the person concerned on 15 December 1981. The allowance book was recalled in connection with a possible overpayment on this claim which is currently being investigated by my Department.

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