asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
784.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 15 February 1982 but was not entitled to payment as he had not the required minimum of 26 reckonable contributions in the contribution year 1980-81 which governed his claim. In that year he had only 22 Class A1 contributions which are reckonable for disability benefit purposes. He also had 29 Class J1 contributions, but these contributions are not reckonable for disability benefit.
The claimant was paid disability benefit in November and December 1981 as his title to benefit in 1981 was based on his contribution record in the 1979-80 contribution year and his record in that year showed that he was qualified.
785.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance (small farmers) will be restored to a person (details supplied) in Coughmourne, County Monaghan.
The person concerned was assessed with notional weekly means of £21.17 with effect from 27 January 1982 in respect of his land having a PLV of £18.35. As the rate of unemployment assistance appropriate in his case, £20.70, was less than his means, viz £21.17, the person concerned did not qualify for unemployment assistance from 27 January 1982 when he ceased to claim. However, the rates of unemployment assistance were subsequently increased from 31 March 1982 and the person concerned would now qualify for £4.70 a week on the basis of his existing means being the new maximum rate in his case £25.90 less his means taken as £21.20 He appealed recently against the weekly means of £21.17 assessed in his case and further inquiries are being made before sending his case for consideration by an appeals officer. His entitlement will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
786.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of the maximum amount of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in Clonbur, County Galway.
In order to qualify for unemployment assistance at the maximum rate a person must be assessed with "nil" means. The person concerned is assessed with notionally assessed means of £1.40 a week derived from his half-share of a holding of PLV £4.75. He is, therefore, in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £19.80, being the appropriate maximum rate in his case, £21.20, less means of £1.40.
If the person concerned considers that a factual assessment of his means would be to his advantage it is open to him to apply to his local office for assessment of his means on this basis.
787.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of a non-contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in Maam, County Galway.
Due to a re-investigation of the means of the person concerned following increases in her British retirement pension, a question for revocation of her pension with effect from the 5 February 1982 was raised and referred to the local pension committee. On 4 May 1982 the pension committee decided to revoke the person's pension as recommended by the social welfare officer. She has now appealed against this decision and her case will be referred to an appeals officer shortly. She will be notified in due course of the appeals officer's decision.
788.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of back money which is due from August 1981 to June 1982 to a person (details supplied) in Oughterard, County Galway in respect of an old age pension.
Old age non-contributory pension is not payable to a person who is absent from the State. The person concerned has been living with her daughter in England since 1981 and, as a result, payment of her pension has been suspended. She was informed in December 1981 that she should re-apply for pension when she returned to live in this country. To date nothing further has been heard from her.
789.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an application for an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in Gort, County Galway.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned which was received on 28 May 1982 is under investigation. When the necessary inquiries have been completed it will be referred to the local pension committee for decision. If he is dissatisfied with the decision he may appeal against it.
790.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a disability allowance which is due for a three year period will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Clonroche, County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit for the following periods in 1978 and 1979: (1) 30 June 1978 to 15 July 1978; (2) 13 November 1978 to 22 November 1978; (3) 24 January 1979 to 27 January 1979.
He was not entitled to payment of benefit on those claims as, according to the records of my Department, he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1977, the contribution year governing claims in the benefit year from June 1978 to June 1979. He was advised of the position at the time.
791.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension book has not been issued to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
A question for reduction of the old age non-contributory pension of the person concerned was raised and his pension book recalled for adjustment. Due to an oversight in my Department, a pension order book at the reduced rate did not issue to him. The error, which is regretted, has now been rectified and a pension book payable from 2 April at the rate of £12.45 a week issued on 17 June.
792.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Chapelizod, Dublin 20, has received no disability benefit payments since 1 May, if he will now make arrangements to have all outstanding payments paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit continuous from 30 December 1974 and has been paid to 26 June 1982. The benefit cheques issue on the same day each week and there has been no delay or interruption of payment in this case. The claimant reported the non-receipt of a disability benefit cheque which issued to her on 15 May 1982 and a replacement cheque was subsequently issued on 3 June 1982.
793.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, is not receiving disability benefit payments regularly; the payments that have been made to this person; the payments outstanding; and when all arrears will be paid.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 March to 8 June 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. The claimant was paid initially to 6 April 1982, at which stage he quoted a different RSI number on the intermediate medical certificate submitted. As he was quoting two numbers in connection with his claim it was necessary to make inquiries before further payment could be made. The matter has since then been rectified and all arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 25 May were issued on 2 June. Further payments were subsequently made to 8 June when he resumed employment. He has been advised of the correct RSI number to be quoted on all future claims to benefit.
794.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Tuam, County Galway, is not being paid the old age pension at the full rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The assessment of means of the person concerned, consisting of a British retirement pension, capital and the letting value of her share in a holding, entitles her only to the reduced rate of old age pension currently in payment. She receives £18.45 a week which is the rate appropriate in the case of a person the assessment of whose means is greater than £20 but less than £22 a week. She also receives living alone allowance of £2.70 a week.
795.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dundalk, County Louth.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 April 1982 and has been paid all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 10 June 1982, date of the latest medical evidence received. Further payment will be issued on receipt of continuing medical evidence of incapacity in the Department.
796.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dundalk, County Louth.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 28 April 1982. Her claim, however, was disallowed on the grounds that she did not satisfy the contribution condition of having at least 26 contributions of the appropriate class paid or credited in the relevant governing contribution year of 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. During that year she had been employed as a public servant and was insured only at a modified rate of contribution which is not reckonable for unemployment benefit purposes.
797.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Down.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 15 May 1982. As only one medical certificate was submitted it was necessary to make inquiries as to the duration of the incapacity before payment could be authorised on the claim. The inquiries have now been completed and payment on the claim has been authorised from 19 May 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 22 May 1982, after which date the claimant resumed work. A cheque in respect of arrears of disability benefit due was issued on 17 June 1982. The claimant is not entitled to pay-related benefit.
798.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in Bantry, County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 31 March 1982. However, as he had left his employment voluntarily and without just cause he was disqualified for receipt of benefit for six weeks from the date he left his employment up to 9 April 1982. Payment of unemployment benefit to the person concerned was authorised from 10 April 1982 at the weekly rate of £31.65 and all arrears due were paid last week. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they fall due.
799.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether a person (details supplied) in Balbriggan, County Dublin, is in receipt of unemployment assistance; and if so, the rate and from what date.
The person concerned applied for a qualification certificate which is a prerequisite for receipt of unemployment assistance on 3 December 1981. However, his application was refused on the grounds that he failed to disclose his means. The person concerned was notified of his right to appeal against the decision but he did not do so. It is open to the person concerned to re-open his application for a qualification certificate if he is prepared to disclose his means fully so that his means can be investigated and his entitlement determined.
800.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in Fermoy, County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 8 May 1982 and has been paid all benefit due to 21 June 1982, date of the latest medical evidence received. The first medical certificate, dated 8 May 1982, was not forwarded by the claimant to the Department until 18 May 1982. No payment was due on the claim until the second certificate was received on 25 May. The claim was authorised for payment at that stage and benefit cheques paying benefit at the rate appropriate to a single man issued on the following dates — 28 May 1982, 8 June 1982, 14 June 1982 and 17 June 1982.
The claim form giving details of his wife and children was received on 8 June 1982 but as the claimant was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance during the period of his claim the increase in benefit due in respect of his dependants was withheld pending information as to the amount of allowance paid. On receipt of this information an adjustment cheque was issued to the claimant on 18 June 1982 and an amount £167.30 was refunded to the Southern Health Board to offset the amount of allowance advanced.
801.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 27 May 1982. The completed claim form together with first medical certificate giving notice of incapacity was received in the Department on 3 June 1982. No payment was due on the claim until the second certificate was received on 8 June 1982. Disability benefit was authorised from 31 May 1982, fourth day of incapacity, and first payment issued on 11 June 1982. A further payment was issued on 17 June 1982 on receipt of further medical evidence of incapacity. All disability benefit and pay related benefit due to 19 June 1982 has now been paid. There was no delay in the issue of payments in this case.
802.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Mayfield, Cork, as she has not yet received a decision from his Department and has not been given an explanation for the delay.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's benefit at the appropriate rate, including increases for three dependent children, with effect from 10 December 1981. An allowance book with orders payable from 24 June 1982 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. The arrears of pension due have been paid direct to her by payable order.
803.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Mayfield, Cork.
The Social Welfare (Invalidity Pension) Regulations provide that the claimant must be regarded as permanently incapable of work in order to qualify for invalidity pension. In order to determine whether the person concerned may be regarded as permanently incapable of work arrangements have been made to have him examined by a medical referee on 28 June 1982. On receipt of the report of this examination his entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed.
804.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when deserted wife's benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Cork.
The claim of the person concerned to deserted wife's allowance was refused on the grounds that she was not a deserted wife within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts. She appealed against the decision and the papers have been referred to an appeals officer who may arrange for an oral hearing of her case.
805.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare how many officers of inspector rank in his Department are involved in investigating social welfare abuses in (a) Dublin and (b) the rest of the country.
All officers of my Department are required as part of their normal duties to be on the alert for possible abuses of the social welfare system and to refer for investigation any case in which suspected irregularities come to their notice. This applies in particular in the case of outdoor staff of whom there are 60 social welfare supervisors, 249 social welfare officers and eight inspectors of agents. These officers are mainly concerned with the investigation of means in the case of means tested benefits and ensuring that the provisions of the Social Welfare Acts in relation to social insurance are complied with. Twenty eight officers are, however, specifically engaged on the investigation of abuses of the various schemes. Of the 28 officers, ten are based in Dublin and 18 cover the rest of the country. Although most of the officers do not have the official title of inspector their duties consist essentially of inspection work.
806.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in Bantry, County Cork.
There is no trace of a disability benefit claim in the Department from the person concerned. Following a visit by an inspector of the Department, it was ascertained that he was first employed from October 1981 to 24 April 1982 when he became ill. Payment of disability benefit has accordingly been authorised from 28 April 1982, fourth day of incapacity, and pay-related benefit from 8 May 1982, 13th day of incapacity. All arrears of benefit due to 19 June 1982 were issued on 21 June 1982.
807.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will, arising from a reply to parliamentary Question No. 628 on 13 May 1982 in regard to fuel vouchers for a person (details supplied) in Dublin, investigate the matter further in the light of the correspondence forwarded in regard to it.
The Eastern Health Board administer the national fuel scheme in the Dublin area and the board have stated that the only application received from the person concerned was that received on 25 January 1982. Cheques valued at £60 covering the 14 weeks from 25 January to the end of the season (including a double allowance for one week in January) were issued in response to the claim.
As indicated in reply to the previous question, if the person concerned is experiencing difficulty in meeting fuel bills for the earlier part of the winter it is open to him to apply to the community welfare officer at his local centre for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme.
The administration of the free fuel scheme is a matter for the health board and I have no function in relation to decisions in individual cases. If, however, the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision already given to him in relation to his claim it is open to him to appeal against the decision by writing to the Appeals Officer, Community Care, Eastern Health Board, 138 Thomas Street, Dublin 8.
808.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in Claremorris, County Mayo who is a qualified applicant.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 24 May 1982. He was not, however, qualified for payment as he had not the required minimum of 26 paid or credited contributions in the contribution year 1980-81 which governed his claim.
As the claimant had only seven credited contributions in 1980-81 he was requested to furnish details of employment in that contribution year. In reply, he furnished a form P.60 which showed that he had five additional contributions. As these brought his total contributions for the year to 12 only he was still not qualified for payment. On the form submitted in connection with his claim he stated that his last employment prior to the commencement of his illness was in August 1980.
809.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if all disability benefit has been paid and if the proper current rate of disability benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied) in Castlebar, County Mayo.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit from 1973 and is currently paid to 26 June 1982. Payment issues regularly each week and medical evidence is required at monthly intervals only. The appropriate rate of disability benefit in this case is £68.05, the maximum rate for a married man with two qualified children. He was, however, overpaid an increase in benefit in respect of a daughter who attained 18 years of age on 24 October 1981. Payment continued to 3 April 1982 and deductions at the rate of £2 per week are being made from current payments to recover the amount overpaid. The deductions will cease as from 25 January 1983 when the full amount overpaid will have been recovered.
810.
(Waterford): asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason occupational injury benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in Waterford from 17 May, 1982.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit in respect of an accident at work on 6 November 1981. Following inquiries as to the nature and origin of the incapacity payment of injury benefit was authorised from that date. Payment was made for the statutory period of 26 weeks up to 4 May 1982, at which stage he was transferred to disability benefit. In addition, he was qualified for pay-related benefit from 20 November 1981 the 13th day of incapacity. All benefit, including pay-related benefit due on the claim, has been paid to 19 June 1982.
811.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been awarded a living alone allowance with effect from 16 April, 1982. An allowance book with orders payable from that date has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.
812.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory old age pension book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in Castlebridge, County Wexford.
The person concerned, who attained pension age on 9 June, 1982, was awarded a contributory old age pension at the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with effect from 11 June 1982. A pension book containing orders valid for payment from 11 June 1982 issued to the designated post office on 8 June 1982. It has been verified that the pension book has been collected by him.
813.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if dental benefit will be issued to a person (details supplied) in Party, County Mayo.
The person concerned made a claim for dental benefit in April 1981. Following approval of the claim, the dental treatment was carried out and payment was made to the dentist in respect of the treatment.
With regard to the question of travel expenses incurred by the claimant there is no trace of the receipt in the Department of an application for the payment of expenses. Arrangements have, however, been made for an inspector to call on the claimant at an early date for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of expenses incurred by him in attending a dentist outside his area for treatment.
814.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application for an old age pension which was made by a person (details supplied) in Roscahill, County Galway.
The repeat old age pension claim of the person concerned has been referred to the social welfare officer who expects to call on the claimant this week. When the investigation of her means has been completed he will refer the case to the local pension committee for decision. If the claimant is dissatisfied with the decision of the pension committee she will have the right of appeal against it.
815.
(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the delay.
The person concerned claimed a widow's contributory pension on 22 April 1982 following the death of her husband on 22 March 1982. According to the records of the Department she is not qualified for such pension on the basis of her late husband's insurance record. As, however, it appears that his insurance record may be incomplete, inquiries are continuing to see if he had any further periods of insurable employment which might help to qualify her for the pension. On completion of these inquiries the widow will be notified of the outcome. In the meantime she has been asked if she wishes to have her entitlement to a non-contributory widow's pension considered.
816.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Ballinasloe, County Galway.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 May 1982 and has been paid from 8 May 1982, fourth day of incapacity, at the maximum appropriate rate. All disability benefit due to 23 June 1982 has been issued.
817.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when increased disability and pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Loughrea, County Galway.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 7 May 1982 and had been paid at the maximum rate appropriate to a single man from 11 May 1982, fourth day of incapacity, pending the return of the relevant form claiming increases for dependants. The form was not returned but it has been established from a previous claim that the claimant is married with three dependent children.
The claimant's pay-related benefit is based on his earnings in the 1980-81 income tax year. These were not available in the Department at the commencement of the claim but have since been obtained from his employer. The combined total of disability benefit and pay-related benefit may not exceed a claimant's average weekly earnings in the relevant income-tax year. In this case the weekly amount of pay-related benefit payable from 21 May 1982, 13th day of incapacity, is limited to £7.98, that is the difference between the claimant's weekly disability benefit payment of £75.00 and his average weekly earnings in 1980-81 of £82.98. All arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 17 June, 1982 have been issued.
818.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a disability benefit cheque will be re-issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
A replacement cheque for £71.75 was issued to the person concerned on 21 June 1982.
819.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if arrears of occupational injury benefit are due to a person (details supplied) in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10; if, in view of the fact that the person is again out of work due to injury he sustained, occupational injury benefit will be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 16 March 1981 to 21 April 1981 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 16 March 1981. On completion of inquiries regarding the nature and origin of the incapacity the claim was allowed. An adjusting payment for the sum of £57.44 representing the amount of injury benefit due for the period from 16 March 1981, date of accident, to 21 April 1981, after which date the claimant resumed work, less disability benefit already paid was issued on 19 June 1981. The cheque was cashed in his name and arrangements are being made to let him see the signature thereon lest it may have been misdirected and cashed by a person other than him. If it transpires that this cheque was not in fact received by him, replacement action will be taken.
A further claim for injury benefit in respect of a recent and different occupational accident was received from the claimant on 15 June 1982. Payment of injury benefit, at the maximum appropriate rate, has been made on this claim up to 19 June 1982.
820.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in Bandon, County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 3 February 1982 and was paid from 6 February 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 13 February 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work.
There is no record of the receipt of a subsequent disability benefit claim from the claimant but, as the Deputy has indicated that he has submitted further medical evidence for which no payment was received, I am arranging to have an inspector call to him and ascertain the periods he was absent from work through illness. On receipt of the inspector's report payment due, if any, will be issued.
821.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now arrange to pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was refused a qualification certificate which is a statutory requirement for entitlement to unemployment assistance, on the grounds that his means derived from farming exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the decision given in his case and an appeals officer whose decision is final upheld the decision of the deciding officer. However, if the person concerned considers that his circumstances have altered it would be open to him to renew his application and his case will be examined.
822.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay non-contributory old age pensions to persons (details supplied) in Newmarket, County Cork.
It has been determined by an appeals officer that the persons concerned are each entitled to a non-contributory old age pension at the maximum rate from 6 January 1982. The appropriate pension order books have been issued and the arrears due are in course of issue.
823.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in Newmarket, County Cork.
The person concerned who is a farmer claimed unemployment benefit in January 1982. His claim was, however, refused by a deciding officer on the grounds that he was not unemployed. He appealed against the decision of the deciding officer and following an oral hearing of his case the appeals officer upheld the deciding officer's decision.
824.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Skibbereen, County Cork.
The person concerned has been in receipt of a widow's contributory pension at the maximum appropriate rate since December 1969. As the rate of widow's pension which she is receiving is higher than the maximum rate of old age non-contributory pension her widow's pension was continued in payment to her after she reached 66 years of age on 12 June, 1982.
Social Welfare (Overlapping Benefits) Regulations preclude a widow from receiving payment of widow's contributory pension and old age non-contributory pension concurrently. It is in the interest of the person concerned to continue to receive the widow's pension.
825.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Ballyferriter, County Kerry is not receiving the full children's allowance for his six children.
A renewal children's allowance book from April 1982 at an incorrect rate of payment issued to the person concerned due to a clerical error. A supplementary allowance book to give effect to the necessary adjustment has been issued to him.
826.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was refused to a person (details supplied) in Ballydavid, County Kerry; and the reason this person did not receive maternity benefit.
The person concerned was refused unemployment benefit from 1 February 1982 to 24 April 1982 because the appropriate social welfare entitlement during that period in her case was maternity allowance. She appealed against this decision and an appeals officer upheld the deciding officer's decision. All maternity allowance due to the person concerned has been paid.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit from 26 April onwards is being considered and a decision will be given shortly.
827.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability cheques for the past three weeks which are due to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be replaced as they have not been replaced despite representations by Deputy Gay Mitchell and the fact that the person concerned is badly in need of the money.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 13 March 1982 and all cheques have issued to him promptly on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity.
As the claimant appears not to have received some of the recent cheques issued to him he has been sent three indemnity forms in respect of weekly cheques issued to him on 20 May, 4 and 11 June 1982. On return of the completed forms replacement action will be taken immediately.
828.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a replacement children's allowance book will be supplied to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned reported the loss of her children's allowance book which contained one uncashed order for June 1982 on 2 June, 1982. A replacement order has been issued to her.
829.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Kinvara, County Galway, was told she was not eligible for the prescribed relative allowance when she is qualified in every way.
The person concerned is receiving a non-contributory widow's pension and under the regulations in the case of a widow pensioner the prescribed relative's allowance can only be paid when the pensioner has reached the age of 66. The person concerned will not reach that age until April 1984 and for that reason the allowance is not at present payable in her case.
830.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was not paid to a person (details supplied) in Kilmallock, County Limerick.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £25.40, being the maximum rate appropriate to a single man living in a rural area with weekly means of 5p. He is a postal applicant and he complained to his local office that some payments of unemployment assistance due to him in December 1981 were not received by him. When the inquiries which are at present being made in the matter are completed any outstanding payments due to him will be paid without delay.
831.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if all disability benefit has been paid to a person (details supplied) in Castlebar, County Mayo.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 30 March 1982. However her claim was refused by a deciding officer on the grounds that she is not available for employment.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal against the decision of the deciding officer if she is dissatisfied with the decision in her case. A form on which to lodge her appeal may be obtained from her local office.
832.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has been out of work for the past four weeks and who has received no benefit.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit in May 1982 as a postal claimant. Inquiries were necessary to establish whether he satisfied the statutory conditions for receipt of benefit that he be available for employment. The local office has written to him in that regard but he has not replied to these inquiries. When his reply is received his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined without delay.
833.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, as the application was made some eight weeks ago and the person has no income.
The person concerned qualified for unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £25.45 with effect from 31 March 1982. This is the maximum rate appropriate to a single person with nil means living in a rural area. All arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned have been paid to him and further weekly payment continue to be made as they fall due.
834.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, who has been unemployed since 20 May 1982.
The person concerned made a claim to unemployment benefit on 25 May 1982. Inquiries were necessary to determine whether he satisfied the statutory conditions for the receipt of benefit. These inquiries were recently completed and the claim has been allowed at the weekly rate of £51.75. Payment of all arrears due will be make this week. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they fall due.
835.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the full rate of unemployment assistance is being paid to a person (details supplied) in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, who is married with five dependent children.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £61.90, being the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with five qualified children living in a rural area namely, £75.35, less means of £13.45 derived from the profit from land rented by him. He is, therefore, receiving the full amount of unemployment assistance to which he is entitled. To be entitled to the maximum rate of unemployment assistance a person must be assessed with "nil" means.
836.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, who has no income, is unable to find work and has forwarded all details to his Department.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance in March 1982. His application is, however, still under consideration by a deciding officer who is not satisfied that the person concerned satisfies the condition for the receipt of unemployment assistance which requires that he must be genuinely seeking work. The person concerned has been written to in this regard and when a reply is received from him his application will be decided without delay. In the meantime it is open to him to apply to his local community welfare officer for supplementary welfare allowance pending a decision regarding his unemployment assistance entitlement.
837.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny since 3 May last as the person had been in hospital for several weeks.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 7 February 1979 and was paid to 1 May 1982. Payment was disallowed from 3 May 1982 following an examination by a medical referee of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
It has been established that the claimant was admitted to hospital on 3 June 1982 and payment of disability benefit has accordingly been restored from 3 May 1982. All payment due to 26 June 1982 has now issued.
838.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an old age pension claim from a person (details supplied) in Peterswell, County Galway.
The person concerned has been in receipt of old age pension at the maximum rate since 4 April 1975. He is currently in receipt of £34.45 a week, which is the appropriate amount due to a person under 80 years who does not live alone.
839.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an old age pension application from a person (details supplied) in Craughwell, County Galway.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as his means, consisting of half the weekly value of his wife's earnings and a holding, exceed the statutory limit of £38 a week.
840.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in Greystones, County Wicklow, will receive her old age pension book.
The person concerned received a supplementary allowance book when she attained the age of 80 in May 1981. When her pension book was renewed in April last the new book at the rate of £36.95 included the "over 80" allowance of £2.50 per week. She is also in receipt of a living alone allowance of £2.70 per week for which there is a separate book.
It would appear from very recent correspondence that the pensioner is under the impression that she should have a separate book for the "over 80" allowance. A detailed letter explaining the position has been issued to her.
841.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in Gort, County Galway.
The claim of the person concerned has been investigated by the social welfare officer who has recommended payment of a pension at the maximum rate from 18 February 1982. A pension order book at the £34.45 rate issued to the person on 11 June 1982 on a provisional basis pending the decision of the local pension committee. This pension order book was payable from 18 June 1982. Arrears due to the claimant for the period 18 February 1982 to 17 June 1982 will be issued to him in due course when inquiries are completed regarding the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to him during the same period by the local health board.
842.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an application for an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in Gort, County Galway.
The person concerned made an unsuccessful claim to old age pension in 1981. A repeat claim has not been received from him in the meantime. In a recent reply to representations on the person's behalf it was advised that he should re-apply as he might possibly now qualify for a reduced rate of pension as a result of the extension of the upper means limit.
843.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to a disability pension for a person (details supplied) in Craughwell, County Galway.
It has not been possible from the information supplied to trace a benefit claim in respect of the person concerned. If the RSI number or the social insurance number of the claimant can be quoted this would enable the claim to be identified and the information sought by the Deputy to be given.