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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1983

Vol. 339 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

724.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension, at the maximum rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years of age with three qualified children, with effect from 25 June 1982. Payment of her late husband's invalidity pension has been made to her up to that date.

A pension book with orders payable from 21 January 1983 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. The arrears of pension due from 25 June 1982 to 20 January 1983, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which she received from the North Western Health Board during that period have been paid direct to her by payable order.

The award of the non-contributory pension at this stage is provisional pending final determination of her claim to contributory pension under EEC regulations and this has been explained to her. Her husband did not have sufficient contributions to his credit in respect of employment in Ireland but it is understood that he had also been employed in the United Kingdom and his insurance record has been sought.

725.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for some time.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until all inquiries about her means were completed.

She was assessed with means of £11.25 weekly from 9 September 1982 and £6.05 weekly from 29 September 1982 derived from the value of board and lodging in her parents home and her claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £14.20 increasing to £19.20 from 29 September 1982.

All arrears due were paid to her on 22 December 1982 and further weekly payments at £19.20 are being made as they become due.

726.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made for quite some time.

The person concerned who had been assessed with means in excess of the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him applied for a re-assessment of his means. Following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with nil means with effect from 3 July 1982.

All arrears of unemployment assistance due to him, less advances of supplementary welfare allowance which were paid to him pending the outcome of inquiries, were paid on 21 December 1982.

Weekly payments of £25.45 continue to be made to him as they become due.

727.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was allowed and all arrears due to her were paid on 17 December 1982.

Weekly payments at the maximum rate payable to her, £25.45, continue to be made as they become due.

728.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow as he applied several months ago.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed when he refused to disclose his means to the social welfare officer investigating his case.

He subsequently indicated that he was prepared to disclose his means and his case was again referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. The necessary inquiries were recently completed and he was assessed with means of £43.25 derived from working his parents farm.

His unemployment assistance claim was allowed and all arrears due to him have been paid.

Weekly payments at £14.70 being the maximum amount of unemployment assistance payable to him, £57.95 less means £43.25 continue to be made to him as they become due.

729.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Following the completion of inquiries the person concerned was assessed with nil means and his unemployment assistance claim was allowed at the rate of £57.95 weekly.

All arrears due to him have been paid and further weekly payments will be made to him as they become due.

730.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

An old age pension book at the maximum rate of £34.45, payable from 12 November 1982, was issued to the person concerned on 5 January 1983. A pension book containing the living alone supplement of £2.70 was issued to him on the same date.

731.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is now residing in County Kildare and his unemployment assistance claim was transferred to my Department's local office at Newbridge.

He is entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £30.10 being the maximum rate payable to him £57.95 less means £27.85, derived from self employment and capital.

As he nominated his wife to receive payment on his behalf all arrears of unemployment assistance due were paid to her on 13 January 1983.

732.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of an old age pension at the full rate to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Old age pension at the maximum rate of £34.45 has been restored to the person concerned. The question of his entitlement to a living alone supplement of £2.70 is under investigation.

773.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of unemployment benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 23 September 1982 on the grounds that he was not available for work.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and he was supplied with a form to enable him to appeal. As soon as he completes and returns this form his case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of his decision.

734.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an unemployment allowance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; how his Department would assess his income on a factual basis as his Department have suggested, if the applicant is not satisfied with the present assessment.

To be entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate a person must be assessed with nil means. The person concerned was assessed with means of £24.55 derived from the notional value of his holding, income from self-employment and from capital. He was accordingly paid unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £23.70 being the maximum rate payable to him £48.25 less means £24.55, from 3 August 1982 to 30 November 1982 after which he ceased to sign as unemployed.

It is open to the person concerned to apply at any time for a factual assessment of his means. In the event of such an application his case would be referred to a social welfare officer who would investigate his income from all sources.

In the case of the person concerned this would include the factual income from the holding after making due allowance for any expenditure on the running of the farm. In the case of capital the yearly value is calculated by taking 5 per cent of the first £400 and 10 per cent of the balance. The assessment would also include the amount of income, if any, which he might be expected to earn from self-employment during the forthcoming year.

735.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Cork as her only income at present is £18 per week.

The person concerned was awarded deserted wife's allowance, at a reduced rate appropriate to her means derived from a British pension, with effect from 5 August 1982. Allowance order books, payable from 2 December 1982, have been forwarded to the designated post office for collection and she was notified accordingly.

Payable orders in respect of arrears due for the period 5 August 1982 to 1 December 1982 have been sent direct to her.

No application for a widow's pension has been received in this case.

736.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork did not receive invalidity pension as he has been on long duration disability benefit for the past nine years.

The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension and a pension book for payment from 27 January 1983 has been sent to the nominated Post Office. Arrears of pension due, less the amount of disability benefit already paid, will be issued by cheque.

737.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a replacement children's allowance book will be forwarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

A replacement children's allowance book issued to the claimant's home address on the 19 December 1982.

738.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork has not been receiving a children's allowance in respect of her daughter.

Children's allowance was discontinued from May, 1982 as the child concerned who was over 16 years ceased full time education. An application for a continuation of allowance on the grounds of apprenticeship was received in May, 1982 but as the employment did not constitute an apprenticeship the claim was disallowed. The Department was not notified until December, 1982 that the child had been a trainee with CERT up to September, 1982.

In the light of this information the decision on the claim was revised and a continuation of allowance was awarded to September 1982. A payable order for £56.25 in respect of arrears due from May, 1982 to September, 1982 issued to the claimant on 17 January 1983.

739.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork has not received disability benefit even though he submitted medical certificates for the period 15 January to 12 February, 1982.

There is no record of a claim for disability benefit or medical certificates having been received in my Department, at the time of his illness, from the person concerned in respect of the period from 15 January 1982 to 12 February 1982.

Medical evidence confirming the period of incapacity was, however, submitted in November 1982, following which payment of arrears of disability benefit was issued on 7 December and arrears of pay-related benefit on 10 December 1982.

740.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been granted optical benefit even though she has 34 years insurable employment and worked up to December, 1981.

The person concerned claimed optical benefit on 28 August 1982. As the qualifying contribution conditions were not satisfied on the available insurance record it was necessary to make inquiries regarding her employment in the 1980-81 governing contribution year.

On completion of these inquiries it was established that she was entitled to this benefit. Her claim was approved accordingly and the necessary letter of authorisation for presentation to her optician was issued to her on 22 December 1982.

741.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reconsider his recent decision and grant unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he is now available for work.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 3 November 1982 by a deciding officer on the basis of evidence furnished by the claimant that, as he was working his father's farm, he was not available for work.

He has appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made for an oral hearing of his case at an early date.

742.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been refused optical benefit even though he has insurance stamps for the last 32 years.

The person concerned claimed optical benefit on 5 June 1982. As the qualifying contribution conditions were not satisfied on the available record, it was necessary to make inquiries regarding employment in the 1980-81 governing contribution year. On completion of these inquiries it was established that he was entitled to benefit and his claim was approved on 22 November 1982.

The claimant was notified accordingly and has since obtained the required treatment from his optician.

743.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork was not awarded a children's allowance for her child from the date of birth which was 29 June, 1982.

745.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason one month's allowance was not awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who received a replacement children's allowance book for one which was lost in June, 1981.

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 743 and 745 together. Children's allowance in respect of the claimant's youngest child born 29 June 1982 was awarded with effect from 1 July 1982. This is the earliest date from which allowance can commence to accrue in respect of a child born in June 1982. The birth certificate in respect of this child was not furnished by the applicant until 5 October 1982. An allowance book was issued to her on 21 October 1982 and a payable order in respect of the arrears due for July and August, 1982 issued on 2 December 1982.

Payment on out of date orders for June 1981 which were returned by the claimant was disallowed as they were not forwarded to the Department within the statutory time limit. Following further investigation however, it was decided to allow payment and a payable order for £11.50 issued to the claimant on 17 January, 1983.

744.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not receiving disability benefit even though she has been submitting certificates on a regular basis to his Department.

The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 7 September 1982 to 27 September 1982 and from 21 October 1982 in respect of an incapacity which she attributed to an accident at work on 6 September 1982.

Following investigation it was accepted that the incapacity was due to an accident at work. The claim was allowed and payment of all injury benefit due for the period from 7 September 1982 to 27 September 1982 and from 21 October 1982 to the date of the latest medical certificate received has been made. Inquiries are being made with a view to establishing whether the claimant is also eligible for payment of pay-related benefit and she will be advised of the position in due course.

746.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the application of a person (details supplied) in Cork for an invalidity pension was rejected as she had been on disability benefit for the past 15 years.

The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 27 January 1983. The pension book has been issued to the designated post office of payment for collection by her.

747.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received her children's allowance even though she was informed in July 1982 that she would receive £22.50 per month for her two children.

The person concerned was awarded children's allowance with effect from July 1982 but did not collect her book at the post office nominated by her. When the Department became aware in December 1982 that the claimant had not obtained her book the matter was investigated and arrangements were made to have the allowance book transmitted to her on 14 January 1982. This book contained orders for the period September 1982-June, 1983.

A payable order for £45 in respect of July and August 1982 was also issued to the claimant.

748.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if retrospective payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who appealed a decision not to allow him unemployment assistance in September which was upheld in November but yet did not receive retrospective payment.

The person concerned was assessed with nil means with effect from 9 September 1982. However, he was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the South Eastern Health Board at the same maximum rate as the unemployment assistance due to him between 9 September 1982 and 2 November 1982 pending the outcome of the investigation of his means. The amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him had to be recouped to the health board out of the unemployment assistance to which he became entitled.

Accordingly payment of unemployment assistance at the maximum rate of £69.55 in his case became payable to him only from 2 November 1982 onwards and there was no retrospective payment due to him.

749.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the length of time a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have to make repayments of £3 on an overpayment on her deserted wife's benefit.

Recovery of the overpayment of deserted wife's benefit incurred by the person concerned is currently being made by weekly deductions of £2 from her entitlement and will be fully recovered on 10 May 1984.

750.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received an invalidity pension even though she has been on disability benefit for the last six years and has applied many times for it.

The person concerned is at present in receipt of widow's pension at the rate of £35.23 per week in addition to disability benefit at the rate of £15.83 per week.

The Social Welfare (Overlapping Benefit) Regulations, however, preclude concurrent payment of invalidity pension with widow's pension and disability benefit. Therefore, if she transfers to invalidity pension, which is payable at the rate of £35.50 per week, both disability benefit and widow's pension, totalling £51.08, would cease to be payable, resulting in a cash reduction of £15.58 in her weekly income. However, if she did transfer she would be automatically entitled to a free travel pass. Free electricity allowance, free (black and white) television licence and free telephone rental allowance are also available to invalidity pensioners subject to certain conditions.

She has recently been advised of the position and asked to state whether, in the circumstances, she wishes to pursue her application for invalidity pension. A similar advice was issued in January 1981 but she did not reply.

751.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a funeral grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

A claim for a grant on the death of her husband was received from the person concerned on 13 September 1982.

The maximum grant of £100 was payable and a cheque for this amount was issued on 23 September 1982.

752.

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

The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 6 October 1982 in respect of an incapacity which he attributed to an accident at work on 12 February 1982. Injury benefit is limited to a maximum period of 26 weeks from the date of the accident. When the claim was received the maximum period had expired.

The claim was then treated as a claim to disability benefit which was allowed on 28 November 1982 from 6 October 1982. All disability benefit due in respect of the period up to 14 December 1982, the date of the last medical certificate received, has been paid less an amount which was refunded to the health board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced.

753.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received a social welfare benefit for the four weeks up to 22 November.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit on an intermediate medical certificate dated 29 October 1982 and payment was made from 2 November, fourth day of incapacity, to 6 November 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. It was subsequently ascertained from his employer that his illness commenced on 23 October 1982 and an adjustment cheque for the arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due was issued on 20 December 1982.

There is no record of the receipt of a claim to disability benefit for any period subsequent to 6 November 1982.

754.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork even though her own doctors will not allow her to work because of a serious accident which she had some time ago.

The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 19 July 1982 to 12 October 1982. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and on 17 January 1983 was examined by a different medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was incapable of work. Payment was restored from 13 October 1982 and all benefit due to 23 December 1982, date of latest medical certificate received, was issued on 19 January 1983.

755.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not being paid disability benefit.

The person concerned, having exhausted her entitlement to disability benefit on 10 March 1982, after receiving payment for 52 weeks, again claimed disability benefit from 4 August 1982. Her claim was refused initially as evidence that she had obtained the necessary 13 requalifying weeks of insurable employment in the meanwhile was not submitted with her claim.

The claimant subsequently submitted evidence of insurable employment which established her entitlement to benefit and all arrears due were issued to her. Payment of benefit is currently being made as medical certificates are received.

756.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The application for free telephone rental allowance made by the person concerned was approved on 21 December 1982, the date on which the required medical evidence in respect of her sister was supplied to my Department. The allowance will apply from the date on which telephone service is provided by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

757.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the rate of £34.30 per week with effect from Friday, 17 September 1982. This is the rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years with no qualified children, based on her late husband's yearly average of 27 insurance contributions over the period from his entry into insurance up to the end of March 1982.

A pension order book with orders payable from 22 October 1982 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.

The arrears of pension due for the period 17 September 1982 to 21 October 1982 have been paid direct to her by payable order.

758.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of unemployment benefit being paid to building construction workers who were made redundant by a building construction firm (details supplied) in Galway in the past six months.

759.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost per week of unemployment benefit being paid to building construction workers who were made redundant in Galway City in the past six months.

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.

Statistics are not maintained in such a way as would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be given.

760.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

A claim for disability benefit from 25 May 1982 was received in my Department on 9 December 1982 from the person concerned. His explanation for the late submission of medical evidence or incapacity for work was accepted and his claim admitted for payment from 9 June 1982, six months prior to the date of receipt, which is the maximum period for which reprospective payment is permissible under statutory regulations.

Payment of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due from 9 June 1982 to 13 January 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received has been made.

761.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated. On completion of inquiries it will be referred to the local pension committee for decision. If a pension is payable it will be paid provisionally pending the pension committee's decision.

762.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying occupational injury benefit which is due to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in respect of the period from the first week in January, 1981 to the second week in April, 1981; and if the appropriate payments will be made without further delay.

The person concerned was awarded interim disability benefit pending a decision on his claim to injury benefit from 21 November 1980. Following investigation it appears that the claimant did not receive three of the cheques which issued in payment of disability benefit in respect of the period concerned. Replacement cheques have now been issued to the claimant.

763.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a disability or long term invalidity pension will now be approved and a pension book issued to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if this will be arranged as a matter or urgency as the applicant is a long term invalid with heart trouble.

The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension and a pension book for payment from 17 February 1983 has been issued to the nominated post office for collection by him. Arrears of pension due, less the amount of disability benefit paid, will be issued by payable order.

764.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if the application will now be processed as a matter or urgency having regard to the fact that the application was made to his Department six months ago.

The person concerned was awarded deserted wife's benefit for herself and three qualified children at the maximum rate with effect from 6 May 1982. A book with orders dating from 25 November 1982 was forwarded to the designated post office for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.

A payable order in respect of arrears due from 6 May 1982 to 24 November 1982, less deduction of the amount of the dependant's portion of her husband's unemployment assistance which she received in the same period, has been sent direct to her.

765.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be transferred from his existing disability pension to an invalidity pension having regard to the fact that he has a long duration illness.

The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 27 January 1983. The pension book has been issued to the designated post office of payment for collection by him.

766.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a death grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in respect of the death of her husband who died more than eight months ago.

A claim for a grant on the death of her husband was received from the person concerned on 21 April 1982. A grant of £75.00 was payable and a cheque for that amount was issued on 27 May 1982. As she stated that she did not receive this cheque, a replacement cheque for £75 was issued to her on 22 December 1982.

767.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free telephone rental allowance will be granted and telephone installed free for a person (details) supplied in County Dublin.

An application for free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned, which was received on 25 November 1982, was approved on 17 December 1982, and a notification to this effect was issued to her.

The Department of Posts and Telegraphs have been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which telephone service is provided. The free telephone rental allowance scheme does not cover the cost of installing a telephone.

768.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin having regard to the fact that he paid contributions for almost 40 years without a break and that he is now seriously ill and unable to work; and if the applicant will now be approved for unemployment or disability benefit or some other form of welfare.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 February 1982 but is not qualified for payment as, on his insurance record, he does not satisfy the contribution condition which requires a claimant to have at least 26 contribution weeks of insurable employment paid or credited in the contribution year governing his claim.

Prior to his illness he had been self employed since 1973 and paid a reduced rate contribution as a voluntary contributor. These contributions give cover for retirement pension, old age (contributory) pension, widows and orphans (contributory) pension, deserted wife's benefit and death grant but are not reckonable for disability benefit and unemployment benefit. The claimant was notified accordingly on 18 March 1982 and advised to make application to the Eastern Health Board for a supplementary welfare allowance.

769.

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

The person concerned was disallowed benefit for six weeks from 18 October 1982 for failure, without good cause, to attend for examination by a medical referee of my Department. He continued to submit medical certificates and a further medical referee examination was arranged for him. At this examination, the medical referee's opinion was that he was incapable of work and benefit was accordingly restored from 18 October 1982. In the meantime, he had been in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance while payment of disability benefit was suspended. Payment of all arrears of disability benefit, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, was issued on 6 January 1983.

770.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an appeal in respect of a deserted wife's allowance from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The documents submitted by the Deputy on behalf of the person concerned in connection with her appeal against the refusal of her claim to deserted wife's allowance were referred to an appeals officer for consideration. He decided that no new evidence had been submitted which would warrant a revision of the decision already given and the claimant has been notified accordingly.

771.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for a widow's pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned has been in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension since October 1981 at a reduced rate based on means derived from land in which she has an interest, a house which she lets and some capital. She applied in July 1982 for an increase in her rate of pension but the local social welfare officer reported that there had been no change in her means and her claim for increased pension was accordingly refused.

She appealed in October last against this decision and her case has been considered by an appeals officer. Before deciding the matter he has asked that inquiries be made regarding a proposed transfer of land by the widow and the means which she derives from the house which she has let.

When these inquiries have been completed a decision on the case will be given and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.

772.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider granting an increase in unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit when he was paid the maximum period of 390 days on 3 September 1982.

He was paid unemployment assistance from 4 September 1982 at the weekly rate of £13.95 being the maximum rate payable to him £25.45 less means £11.50 derived from the value of board and lodging on his parents holding.

His case was recently reviewed and the means assessed against him were reduced to £9.60 with effect from 4 September 1982. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him was increased to £15.85 weekly and all arrears due to him have been paid.

Further weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £15.85 will continue to be made to him as they become due.

773.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes to increase unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway as a result of a recent appeal.

The person concerned is not qualified for unemployment benefit as she has no record of insurable employment. She is, however, in receipt of unemployment assistance since 24 June 1982 at the weekly rate of £11.05 being the maximum rate payable to her £25.45 less means £14.40 derived from the value of board and lodging on her brother-in-law's farm. She has not appealed against the assessment of her means to-date. If she wishes to do so she should complete a form for this purpose at her local office. Her case would then be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to her would be reviewed in the light of his decision.

774.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of an old age non-contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

837.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of a contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 774 and 837 together as they relate to the same person.

The person concerned is not entitled to a contributory old age pension as he has an annual average of 10 insurance contributions only to his credit over the period from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1982. The minimum average required is 20. The non-contributory old age pension claim has been partially investigated and will be referred to the local pension committee for decision on completion of inquiries.

If a pension is recommended it will be put into payment provisionally pending the pension committee's decision.

775.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore the payment of unemployment assistance at the full rate to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Following a review of his case the person concerned was assessed with means amounting to £12.15 weekly derived from his farm and from the benefit of health allowances paid to his wife. He is accordingly being paid unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £38.35 being the maximum rate payable to him £50.50 less means £12.15.

It is open to him to appeal against the assessment and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.

776.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment and pay related benefits will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

The person concerned has been continuously in receipt of unemployment benefit since the commencement of his claim on 28 June 1982.

He is at present being paid at the weekly rate of £57.69 which represents the total amount of flat-rate unemployment benefit, £26.25, and pay-related benefit, £31.44 payable to him.

777.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated and will be referred to the local pension committee for decision when the inquiries have been completed.

778.

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

Payment of all arrears of disability benefit due to the person concerned to 29 December 1982, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, was issued on 7 January 1983.

779.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an appeal against the decision refusing a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Following an oral hearing on 9 December 1982 the appeal of the person concerned against the rejection of her claim for widow's pension was disallowed by an appeals officer on the ground that her means exceeded the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. The claimant was notified of the decision on 17 December 1982.

780.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an appeal against a decision to refuse unemployment benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for employment and the disallowance was upheld by an appeals officer on 15 November 1982 following an oral hearing of the case.

Following a review of the case his claim was again disallowed from 16 November 1982 on the basis that he was still not available for work. He has not to date appealed against the latest disallowance.

In the meantime he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from his local health authority.

781.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for an old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned, which was received on 30 December 1982 is under investigation at present.

When the social welfare officer's inquiries have been completed the claim will be forwarded to the local pension committee for decision. If payment of pension is recommended it will be put into payment pending the committee's decision.

782.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an appeal against a decision to grant an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

In October 1981 an appeal by the person concerned against the disallowance of a claim for pension made by him was turned down. No appeal is, therefore, outstanding in this case.

A repeat claim for pension has however been made and has been investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision. Payment of pension has not been recommended, however, as the means assessed against the claimant, consisting of the weekly value of capital and his interest in a holding, exceed the statutory limit of £38 a week. If he is dissatisfied with the pension committee's decision he will have the right to appeal against it.

783.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she is still attending a consultant at the Mercy Hospital, Cork on a regular basis and as she underwent surgery in recent months.

The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 31 January 1981 to 4 September 1982. Payment was disallowed from 6 September 1982 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She was examined on 10 November 1982 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work.

The decision to disallow benefit from 6 September was upheld by the appeals officer, following an oral hearing of the case on 19 January 1983, at which the appellant was present.

784.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been waiting over four months without receiving any acknowledgment of his claim for disablement benefit in view of the fact that he applied on 2 August 1982 as a result of having an accident at work in February 1982.

The person concerned claimed injury benefit in respect of an accident at work on 4 February 1982 and was paid benefit for the full statutory period of 26 weeks up to 4 August 1982. Subsequently he was paid disability benefit up to 21 August 1982 when he resumed work. He is being paid disability benefit in respect of a further claim from 13 September 1982.

There is no record of receipt of a claim to disablement benefit in August 1982 from the person concerned. A letter was, however, received from him on 16 December 1982 in which he stated that he had submitted such an application four months previously. A claim form was issued to him for completion on 17 December 1982.

The letter was accepted as an application for disablement benefit. He was examined by a medical referee on 18 January 1983 and was awarded disablement benefit from 6 August 1982 at the rate of £14.22 a week, appropriate to disablement assessed at 30 per cent for life.

Payment of benefit due in respect of the period up to 17 February 1983 has been made.

785.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit for the period 11 October to 22 November 1982 was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as medical certificates were submitted by her.

The person concerned was not initially entitled to payment for the period in question as, according to the records of the Department, she had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1980-81 contribution year governing her claim.

Following investigation it was established that she had 45 weeks of insurable employment in the relevant contribution year and; therefore, qualified for payment of disability benefit.

A cheque for the arrears of benefit due was issued to her on 21 December 1982.

786.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was discontinued five weeks ago in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 23 October 1981 and was paid 52 weeks benefit to 25 October 1982 based on her contribution record in 1979-80 contribution year. Her entitlement to further payment then depended on her 1980-81 contributions and as she had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in that year she did not qualify for further payment.

A new benefit year commenced on 3 January 1983 and entitlement to benefit from that date in her case can be determined on the basis of her 1981-82 insurance record. As she has 40 credited contributions for 1981-82 she qualifies for payment at a reduced weekly rate and payment will issue as medical certificates are received while she remains unfit for work.

787.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he applied in September and has received no decision yet.

Inquiries to ascertain his means were necessary before the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could be determined. He was however paid advances of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of the investigation.

The inquiries were completed in early December 1982 and all arrears of unemployment assistance due, less advances of supplementary welfare allowances, were paid to him.

Weekly payments at £70.80 continue to be made as they become due.

788.

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

Following the completion of inquiries to establish the contribution record of the person concerned his unemployment benefit claim was allowed and all arrears due to him were paid last week.

Weekly payments of unemployment benefit at £65.70 will continue to be made to him as they become due.

789.

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

The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 28 October, 1982 and following an investigation of his case he was assessed with means of £8.00 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parent's home.

He is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £17.45 being the maximum rate payable to him £25.45 less means £8.00. All unemployment assistance due to him has been paid.

790.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for unemployment benefit from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned last claimed unemployment benefit on 1 September 1982. His claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for employment.

He appealed against the decision but following an oral hearing of his case on 30 November 1982 an appeals officer upheld the disallowance of his unemployment benefit claim. He has not been in touch with his local office since that date.

791.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for unemployment benefit from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 1975. His means were increased to £15.00 weekly with effect from 22 September 1982 derived from land transferred to him by deed of transfer and from the value of board and lodging on his parents holding.

Weekly payments at £27.00 being the maximum rate payable to him £42.00 less means £15.00 are being made as they become due.

792.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for an old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

It has not been possible from the information supplied to trace a claim for an old age pension in this case. If the Deputy could supply further particulars, such as the pension number and date of claim, the matter will be further examined.

793.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an application for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 1975 and is at present receiving £21.55 a week being the maximum rate payable to him £44.40 less means £22.85.

He obtained an application form at his local office on 12 November 1982 for the purpose of having his means re-investigated but he has not returned it to date. When he does so his case will be re-investigated by a social welfare officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the enquiries.

794.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for unemployment benefit from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned does not satisfy the statutory contribution condition for payment of unemployment benefit. He was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £1.30, being the maximum rate payable to him £17.80 less means £16.50 derived from the notional value of his holding and from capital, up to 23 November 1982, after which date he ceased to sign as unemployed.

During the course of his claim he indicated that he wished to appeal against the assessment of his means and he was supplied with a form for this purpose on 29 September 1982. He has not returned the form to date.

795.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reconsider his decision in regard to unemployment benefit which was recently withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance when following a review, his means, derived from the notional value of his holding and from capital, were assessed at £31.55 weekly. As this amount exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable in his case £30.85, payment ceased from 12 October, 1982.

He did not appeal against the assessment of his means and has not been in touch with his local office since 12 October 1982. If he considers that his circumstances have changed, it is open to him to re-apply for unemployment assistance.

796.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is presently in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £10.15 being the maximum rate payable to him £33.80 less means £23.65.

He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and it was necessary to make additional inquiries. These were recently completed and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination.

His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

797.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for an old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

In the reply, given on 4 November 1982, to an earlier Question by the Deputy on this case, it was explained that an appeals officer has decided that the person concerned is not entitled to old age pension. The assessment of his means, consisting of half his wife's earnings and the weekly value of holdings, the transfer of part of which has not been accepted for pension purposes, exceeds the statutory limit of £38. The appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.

No new facts or fresh evidence have been brought forward.

798.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for a widow's pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The claim of the person concerned to a widow's non-contributory pension was refused on the grounds that her means, derived from the estimated yearly value of a small plot of land, some capital and a weekly payment due under her late husband's will, exceed the statutory limit for receipt of pension by a widow with no qualified children.

She appealed against the decision and the case has been referred to an appeals officer. Before deciding the matter he has asked that further inquiries be made regarding the weekly payment due under her husband's will. When these inquiries have been completed a decision will be given by the appeals officer and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.

799.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an application for unemployment benefit from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit.

He appealed against the disallowance and an oral hearing of his case was arranged to take place on 25 January 1983. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.

800.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The person concerned was paid occupational injury benefit for the period from 8 September 1982 to 12 October 1982 in respect of incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 8 September 1982.

He again claimed injury benefit from 18 October 1982 in respect of the same accident. While a decision was being taken on this claim he was paid supplementary welfare allowance by the Southern Health Board and also disability benefit on an interim basis from 23 November 1982 to 20 December 1982. The claimant was then awarded injury benefit with effect from 18 October 1982 and all arrears due, less supplementary welfare allowance and disability benefit paid in the meantime, have been paid.

801.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a children's allowance has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of her daughter who is attending secondary school and who will take her leaving certificate in June, 1983.

Children's allowance was discontinued in respect of the child concerned with effect from November, 1982 as she reached 18 years of age in October 1982. The claimant was notified in December 1982 that children's allowance is not payable after a child's eighteenth birthday.

802.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a maternity grant has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she applied on 16 February, 1982.

The person concerned has now been paid all the maternity benefit due to her.

The claim was originally refused because she did not qualify for payment under the RSI number quoted by her on the claim form. Subsequently following inquiries it was established that she is qualified for payment on foot of contributions under a different RSI number.

803.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider an increase in old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford whose means have worsened in the past month.

On 16 December 1982 the local pension committee awarded old age pension to the person concerned at the reduced weekly rate of £12.45 plus an increase of £6.30 in respect of his wife. The assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding, entitles him to payment at this rate. Representations received from the Deputy were accepted as an appeal against the committee's decision. However, an appeals officer, to whom the claim was referred for consideration, has upheld the decision.

Information supplied by the Deputy suggests that what is at issue is the fact that the pensioner's sons, who are grown up, are unemployed and, because of this, are dependent on him. It is, however, open to those of his sons, who have not already done so, to apply for unemployment benefit or assistance at their local employment office.

804.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a pension at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The person concerned, who had been in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension at a reduced rate since 6 April 1979, has been awarded widow's non-contributory pension at the maximum rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children, with effect from Friday 20 August 1982.

A pension order book at the increased rate, payable from Friday 14 January 1983, has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.

The arrears of pension due for the period from 20 August 1982 to 13 January 1983 have been paid to the claimant direct by payable order.

805.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance in respect of the period from May to December 1982 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as he has no means and has not worked since 1978.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 7 April 1982, on the grounds that his means assessed as £40.00 weekly derived from self-employment exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. He appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer, whose decision is final, upheld the decision in his case.

The person concerned again applied for unemployment assistance on 16 November 1982, and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. His entitlement to unemployment assistance with effect from that date will be determined when the inquiries regarding his means are completed.

806.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 15 May to 29 December 1982. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He has appealed against the disallowance and, in connection with his appeal, arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 9 February 1983. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed when the report of the medical referee examination is received.

807.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self employment exceeded the statutory limit.

He has appealed against the disallowance and additional inquiries are presently being made about his earnings. When the investigations are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination.

808.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

As the person concerned does not satisfy all the conditions of the scheme she does not qualify for free telephone rental allowance.

However, her mother, with whom she resides, will qualify for the allowance with effect from 14 April 1983, when she reaches pension age. The Department of Posts and Telegraphs has been advised accordingly and will arrange to apply the allowance from that date.

809.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance to the electricity account of the person concerned from the November-December 1982 billing period onwards.

810.

Mr. Coughlan

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

Payment of all disability benefit due to the person concerned was issued on 17 January 1983.

811.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in relation to claimants for disability and occupational injury benefits whose cases were referred to medical referees for second opinions, the number found capable of work in each of the quarters ended 1 April, July and October; and the projected total for the quarter ended 31 December 1982.

The numbers of claimants who were reported on as being capable of work following medical referee examination during the periods concerned are given in the following table.

1982 Quarter ended Friday

Reported on as capable of work

2 April

2,178

2 July

2,393

1 October

2,544

31 December

2,811 (Actual)

Total

9,926

812.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance which is due to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he has been denied payment since he commenced to sign on 20 August 1981.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 12 August 1981 on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit and the disallowance was upheld by an appeals officer.

As he continued to sign as unemployed his case was reviewed and following the completion of inquiries his means were again assessed as being in excess of the statutory limit with effect from 15 July 1982. His unemployment assistance claim was accordingly disallowed. He has been advised of the decision and of his right to appeal but to date he has not done so.

813.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment asistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit and accordingly he is not entitled to unemployment assistance. He has appealed against the disallowance and in this connection additional inquiries are presently being made about his means. When these investigations are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.

814.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

All arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned were paid to him during the week commencing 15 November 1982. Weekly payments at £25 being the maximum amount payable to him £25.45 less means £0.45 continue to be made to him as they become due.

815.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have the disability benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin paid on a regular basis, having regard to the fact that his payments have been arriving on an intermittent basis only thereby causing serious distress to his family.

The person concerned is being paid disability benefit as medical certificates are received and, according to the records of my Department, payments have issued promptly. All benefit due to 22 January 1983 has issued. Further payments will be issued on a regular basis subject to receipt of appropriate medical certification and the claimant has been informed accordingly.

816.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that social welfare benefit which was transmitted to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin and which should have been delivered on 10 December 1982 did not arrive in the post and appears to have been stolen in the course of posting; and if he will now issue a replacement warrant to the person concerned.

The person concerned reported that he had not received a pay voucher for £90.70 unemployment assistance which was posted to him in respect of the week ended 7 December 1982 and due for delivery on 10 December 1982. Pending the outcome of inquiries in the matter he was given an advance of £57.95 supplementary welfare allowance by the Eastern Health Board. On completion of the inquiries the person concerned has been paid the balance of the £90.70 due to him, namely £32.75. The amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him is being refunded to the Eastern Health Board.

817.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.

The person concerned applied for deserted wife's benefit in December 1982. In the course of investigating the claim the husband, as well as the claimant, was interviewed and it emerged that there was a conflict of evidence as to the reasons for the separation, the husband indicating that he was prepared to return to his wife and family. The claim was disallowed on the ground that her husband did not of his own volition leave her. She was notified accordingly and has been advised that it is open to her to appeal against the decision.

818.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider making unemployment assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

It has not been possible from the details supplied to trace a claim to unemployment assistance in the records of my Department. Further inquiries will be made if additional information which would enable the person concerned to be identified can be supplied.

819.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date to which an old age pension is being back-dated for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

It was decided by the local pension committee that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension of £8.45 a week from 5 April 1982. A pension book payable from 1 October 1982 was issued on 30 November 1982. A payable order for £211.25 arrears for the period April to September 1982 was sent to her on 15 December 1982.

820.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 13 April 1981 to 15 December 1981 and from 28 June 1982 to 21 October 1982, a total of 52 weeks. Payment ceased after that date as she has less than the required minimum 156 paid contributions to her credit since her entry into insurance to entitle her to further payment. She cannot requalify for further payment of benefit until she resumes employment and has at least 13 contribution weeks of insurable employment after the date of last payment of benefit.

821.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 5 November 1982. He had been employed in the United Kingdom during the relevant contribution year April 1980 to April 1981 and an inquiry was sent immediately to the UK authorities to ascertain his insurance record for that period. However, the required information has not yet been provided and the matter is being urgently pursued with the UK authorities.

His claim was reviewed following the commencement of a new benefit year on 3 January 1983, the relevant contribution period for which is April 1981 to April 1982. On the basis of 39 Irish contributions during that period, unemployment benefit at the reduced rate of £29.30 a week has been authorised with effect from 3 January 1983. All arrears due to him from that date will be paid on his next attendance at his local employment exchange. His entitlement will be further reviewed when the necessary information is received from the UK authorities.

822.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

Inquiries were necessary to establish the contribution record of the person concerned before his entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined. The investigations were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate of £31.65 weekly. All arrears due were issued to him on 13 January 1983 and weekly payments continue to be made to him as they become due.

823.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 9 November 1982 and following inquiries to ascertain his contribution record during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981 his claim was authorised at the reduced rate of £28.30 and all unemployment benefit due to him was paid during the week commencing 6 December 1982. Further weekly payments were made to him as they became due. Inquiries to establish his full contribution record during the period are still being made and when they are completed the rate of unemployment benefit payable to him will be reviewed.

It is a statutory condition that the combined total of flat-rate unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of an applicant's average net weekly earnings. To enable the entitlement of the person concerned to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit to be determined he has been asked to furnish a form P.45 or other evidence showing the amount of his earnings from 6 April 1982 to the date of the commencement of his unemployment benefit claim but to date he has not done so. When the necessary information is made available his entitlement to pay-related benefit will be decided without delay.

824.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of a death grant to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

One of the conditions for the receipt of a death grant is that there must be not less than 26 contribution weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions have been paid between 1 October 1970 and date of death or attainment of pension age.

The deceased was over pensionable age on 1 October 1970 and, as employment contributions reckonable for the grant are not payable in respect of a person who has attained pensionable age, the above condition is not satisfied and a death grant is not payable in respect of him.

825.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 9 September 1982 to 30 November 1982 on the grounds that she was not available for or genuinely seeking work. The disallowance was upheld by an appeals officer whose decision is final in the matter.

Her claim was reviewed from 1 December 1982 but was again disallowed on the grounds that she is still not available for or genuinely seeking work. She has been informed of the disqualification and of her right to appeal against the decision disallowing her claim from 1 December 1982.

826.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was paid occupational injuries benefit from 28 October 1980 to 27 April 1981 and disability benefit from 28 April 1981 to 6 November 1982. Payment was disallowed after the latter date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He has appealed against the disallowance and in connection with his appeal arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 2 February 1983. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed when the report of the medical referee examination is received.

827.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned will be referred to the local pension committee for decision when the social welfare officer's inquiries regarding means have been completed.

In the meantime he is in receipt of £30.05 a week, being the amount of adult dependent allowance due in respect of him as an increase in his wife's retirement pension.

828.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of smallholders assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance which the person concerned was receiving was discontinued on the grounds that his means, derived from the notional value of his holding and from capital amounted to £31.55 weekly and as this sum exceeded the maximum weekly rate payable to him, £30.85, payment ceased from 12 October 1982.

He did not appeal against the assessment of his means and has not been in touch with his local office since 12 October 1982. If he considers that his circumstances have changed, it is open to him to re-apply for unemployment assistance.

829.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

Evidence of age of the person concerned was required before unemployment assistance could be paid and this evidence has only recently been supplied.

Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears of unemployment assistance due to him this week. Further weekly payments at £15.45 being the maximum rate payable to him £25.45 less means £10.00 will be made as they become due.

830.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profits of his farm exceeded the statutory limit.

He has been advised of the disallowance and of his right to have his case referred to an appeals officer if he is dissatisfied with the decision in his case.

831.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the basis of calculation of the social welfare payments being made to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if further payments or arrears of social welfare are due to this person in view of his suggestion that the full and appropriate amounts payable have not been met by his Department.

The person concerned is in receipt of flat rate unemployment benefit since the commencement of his claim at £100 weekly which is the maximum rate payable to a married man with seven qualified children.

As this amount exceeds 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings, viz. £99.16, he is not entitled to receive pay-related benefit. Average net weekly earnings are calculated in accordance with statutory regulations by taking the gross earnings from 6 April up to the date of unemployment benefit claim, less income tax and employee's portion of PRSI and dividing by the number of complete weeks in the period. The person concerned has therefore been paid his full benefit entitlement.

832.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.

The person concerned failed to attend for examination by a medical referee of my Department on 26 August 1982. A satisfactory explanation for failure to attend was not received and payment of benefit was disallowed for a period of six weeks from 4 October to 13 November 1982. Payment of benefit was restored from 14 November 1982 and payments have been made in the meantime on receipt of medical certificates. Another date is being arranged for a medical referee examination.

833.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance at the full rate will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance at the full rate as he was assessed with means of £9.40 derived from the value of board and lodging and from fishing. He appealed against the assessment of his means but an appeals officer, whose decision is final, upheld the assessment of his means at £9.40 weekly.

Payments of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £16.05 being the maximum rate payable to him, £25.45 less means £9.40 continue to be made to him as they become due.

834.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry did not qualify for unemployment assistance and was not given the opportunity to appear in person at his appeal.

The person concerned attended an oral hearing of his appeal which took place on 13 January 1983 and gave evidence on his own behalf.

Subsequently the appeals officer assessed him with means of £46.15 and he is accordingly qualified for unemployment assistance at £11.80 weekly being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him, £57.95 less means £46.15, with effect from 12 July 1982. All arrears of unemployment assistance due to him have been paid and weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.

835.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry did not qualify for unemployment assistance.

The person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit and his unemployment assistance claim had to be disallowed. The disallowance was upheld by an appeals officer on 28 June 1982.

He applied on 30 September 1982 to have his means re-assessed and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed as soon as investigations have been completed.

836.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.

The means of the person concerned were last assessed as being in excess of the statutory limit and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed with effect from 3 March 1982. He applied on 27 September 1982 to have his means re-assessed and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for a report. The case is still under investigation but due to the large number of applications received for new qualification certificates the inquiries have not yet been completed. However it is expected that all inquiries will be completed shortly after which his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed.

838.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The claim of the person concerned to unemployment assistance was disallowed on the grounds that his means assessed on the value of land and the capital value of a house not personally used by him exceeded the statutory limit of £4,713.80. He has appealed against the disallowance and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries. When these are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer and his entitlement reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

839.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was last insured in the United Kingdom and in accordance with EEC regulations on social security her claim to disability benefit is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. My Department have been informed that the person in question is not entitled to payment of benefit as she fails to satisfy the relevant contribution conditions under UK legislation and that she has been advised accordingly of this decision.

The Department of Health and Social Security referred the claim for consideration to my Department but the person concerned has no insurance record in this country and does not therefore qualify for benefit here.

840.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance to 13 October 1982 after which date he ceased to sign the unemployed register. There is no record of the receipt in my Department of a claim for disability benefit from him. A claim form for this benefit has been issued to him and on return of the form with medical evidence of incapacity for work his entitlement to disability benefit will receive immediate consideration.

841.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 24 October 1980 and payment issued to him to 29 April 1982. He was not entitled to payment, however, during the benefit year from 4 January 1982 to 1 January 1983 as he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1980-81, the contribution year governing his claim. He had only 23 credited contributions in that year. He was thus over-paid benefit during the period from 4 January 1982 to 29 April 1982.

The claimant is qualified for payment from 3 January 1983 based on his 1981-82 insurance record of 52 credited contributions for the 1981-82 contribution year.

All benefit due to him from 3 January 1983 to 29 January 1983 has been paid and further payments will be made on receipt of medical certificates.

Question No. 842 withdrawn.

843.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit at the full rate to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

The person concerned was paid disability benefit at the reduced rate of £65.70 from 5 June 1982, based on his insurance record of 33 contributions paid during 1980-81, the contribution year governing his claim.

Following a review of his claim, however, it has been established that he is also entitled to be credited with a further 19 contributions in respect of proved unemployment, thus giving him a total of 52 for the 1980-81 contribution year and qualifying him for payment at the maximum weekly rate of £68.05 appropriate to a married man with two qualified child dependants.

An adjusting payment in respect of the period from 5 June 1982 to 17 January 1983 was issued to him on 19 January 1983.

844.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 20 October 1982 following the revoking of his qualification certificate on the grounds that he failed to furnish particulars of his means to show that his means do not exceed the statutory limit of £3,078.40 per annum.

He has appealed against the disallowance and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

845.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance as his claim was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means do not exceed the statutory limit of £2,350.40 per annum.

If he is dissatisfied with the decision on his claim it is open to him to appeal and to have his case referred to an appeals officer for determination.

846.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

An appeals officer decided on 2 November 1982 that the claimant is not entitled to any pension as the assessment of her means exceeds the statutory limit of £38 a week.

However, letters received recently from her solicitor suggest that her means may now be reduced. Her claim is, therefore, being reviewed at present and she will be notified of the outcome in due course.

847.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned has been allowed and as he is a postal applicant an order was issued to him last week for encashment at his local post office representing all arrears due to him.

Further weekly payments at £28.30 will be made to him as they become due.

848.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned was convicted in the District Court on 21 September 1982 of having knowingly made false representations for the purpose of obtaining unemployment assistance. As a consequence of his conviction the person concerned is statutorily disqualified for the receipt of unemployment assistance for a period of six months with effect from 22 September 1982 in accordance with Section 144 (3) (a) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981.

He will again become eligible for unemployment assistance on 22 March 1983 when the disqualification ceases, provided that he continues to satisfy the statutory conditions.

In the meantime, he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at the weekly rate of £80.00.

849.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of an invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The Social Welfare (Invalidity Pension) Regulations provide that the claimant must be regarded as permanently incapable of work 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 2 February 1983. On receipt of the report of this examination his entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed.

850.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the social welfare claim by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and when the claim will be paid.

The person concerned is receiving unemployment benefit at the weekly rate of £48.80 less the sum of £2 a week which he agreed to refund in respect of £132.50 which had been over-paid to him.

Pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £1.84 has been authorised in his case which will bring his combined entitlements of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit to £50.64. All arrears of pay-related benefit will be issued to him this week by pay order encashable at his local post office.

851.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.

All arrears of unemployment assistance due to the person concerned were paid to him on 11 January 1983.

Weekly payments at the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him £25.45 continue to be made to him as they become due.

852.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider his decision in regard to an increase in unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is presently in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £7.95 being the maximum rate payable to him £57.95 less means £50.00 derived from self employment.

He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries about his earnings from self-employment.

When the investigations are completed the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

853.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to the appeal for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is presently in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £29.40 being the maximum amount payable to him £40.25 less means of £10.85 derived from the notional value of land worked by him.

He obtained an appeal application form for the purpose of appealing against the amount of means assessed against him and only returned the completed form to his local office on 11 January 1983.

Arrangements have been made to have his case determined by an appeals officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

854.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

It has been decided by an appeals officer that pension is not payable to the person concerned as the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital and a holding, exceeds the statutory limit of £38 a week.

855.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of an old age pension at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The claim of the person concerned for an increased rate of old age pension is under investigation at present and will be referred to the local pension committee for decision on completion of inquiries by the social welfare officer.

856.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of an old age pension at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is entitled to pension at the reduced rate of £30.45 weekly. The assessment of her means, consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's county council pension and a small sum in respect of free unfurnished lodgings, does not permit payment at a higher rate.

857.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

Inquiries were necessary to establish the contribution record of the person concerned before his entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined.

The inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate for a single man of £31.65 a week. All arrears of unemployment benefit due were sent to him by pay order encashable at his local post office on 14 January 1983 and weekly payments will continue to be made to him as they become due.

858.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a free electricity allowance to be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

On the information available the person concerned does not qualify for the free electricity allowance as his sister who is resident with him is not a person who comes within the excepted categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme. If the pensioner considers that he now satisfies all the qualifying conditions of the scheme he should re-apply for the allowance through his local ESB office.

On receipt of the completed application form the question of his entitlement will be considered and he will be notified of the outcome.

859.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused unemployment assistance.

The person concerned was assessed with means of £33.00 weekly and as this amount exceeds the maximum weekly rate of unemployment assistance payable to him his claim was disallowed.

He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

860.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.

The person concerned has no record of insurable employment and he is accordingly not qualified for unemployment benefit.

He claimed unemployment assistance on 12 January 1982 but following the completion of investigations his claim was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer whose decision is final upheld the assessment of means in his case.

The person concerned has not signed as unemployed since 20 April 1982.

861.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the delay in paying arrears of social welfare benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 8 November 1982. According to the records of the Department, he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1980-81, the contribution year governing his claim, and it was necessary to make inquiries regarding his employment position in that year before his title to benefit could be determined.

Following the completion of inquiries it was established that the claimant had a total of 31 weeks of insurable employment in 1980-81 and was, therefore, entitled to payment of benefit. All disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 20 January 1983, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, has been issued to him.

862.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

There is no record in my Department of receipt of an application for free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned.

An application form was issued to her for completion on 22 December 1982, following representations from the Deputy. On receipt of the completed form a decision will be given and she will be notified of the outcome.

863.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and when the arrears due to him will be issued.

Following the completion of inquiries the person concerned has been assessed with means of £23.65 weekly derived from self-employment and land. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £45.90 being the maximum rate payable to him £69.55 less means £23.65 with effect from 13 October 1982.

He is a postal applicant and an order has been issued to him this week for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears of unemployment assistance due to him. Further weekly payments of unemployment assistance will continue to be made to him as they become due.

864.

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

The person concerned was paid disability benefit up to 14 September 1982. Payment ceased after that date as he quoted a different RSI number on subsequent medical certificates and he had no insurance contributions recorded under this number.

All disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 18 January 1983, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, has now been issued to the claimant and he has been advised of the correct RSI number to quote in future.

865.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

Inquiries were necessary to establish the contribution record of the person concerned before his entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined.

The investigations were recently completed and payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £31.65 weekly and pay-related benefit at £13.26 weekly payable from 8 December 1982 has been authorised. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week. Further combined payments at £44.91 will continue to be made as weekly payments become due.

866.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the amount of old age pension being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned is currently before the local pension committee for decision. The social welfare officer's assessment of the person's means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital and her husband's occupational pension, entitles her to payment of pension at the reduced rate of £4.45 a week. This rate is in payment pending the pension committee's decision against which the person will have the right of appeal.

867.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

Inquiries were necessary to establish the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit.

The investigations were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £94.45. Arrears of unemployment benefit due were issued to him on 14 January 1983.

His entitlement to pay-related benefit in addition to unemployment benefit was examined and pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £23.55 has been authorised with effect from 23 November 1982. Arrears of pay-related benefit due were issued to him by pay order for encashment at his local post office last week.

Combined payments amounting to £118.00 a week will continue to be made as they fall due.

868.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

Inquiries were necessary to establish that the person concerned fulfilled the statutory contribution conditions before payment of unemployment benefit could be authorised. The inquiries were recently completed and an order issued to him last week for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears of unemployment benefit due to him. Further weekly payments at £31.65 will be made to him as they become due.

869.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced rate of old age pension. The social welfare officer has made several unsuccessful attempts to contact the pensioner in connection with his application for an increase in his pension. The application will be investigated as soon as the claimant makes himself available for interview.

870.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will immediately restore a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned has been in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension since February 1972. This pension was not terminated at any time and is currently in payment at the maximum rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years of age with two qualified children.

It is understood, however, that the claimant in this case was without a pension order book for a number of weeks during December and January. It has been sent on 16 December last to the designated post office at Gort for collection by her but apparently it did not arrive there until about 7 January when it was collected by the claimant.

871.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application for a deserted wife's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin as the application was made in April, 1982.

The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's benefit with effect from 22 April 1982. An order book payable from 20 January 1983 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. A payable order for arrears due from 22 April 1982 to 19 January 1983 less deductions in respect of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Eastern Health Board in that period has been sent direct to her.

872.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if free electricity will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who now lives alone.

The ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to the electricity account of the person concerned from the August-September 1982 billing period onwards.

873.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an old age pension will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

An appeals officer decided in August 1982 that the person concerned was entitled to old age pension at a reduced rate plus an allowance in respect of his five dependent children. The means assessed against him were derived from his holding. Nothing has been heard from the pensioner since then. However, if his circumstances have worsened it is open to him to apply for an increase in his pension.

874.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension with effect from Friday, 3 September 1982, at a reduced rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years of age with three qualified children, on the basis of her means assessed on the value of a holding. The rate of pension payable from Friday, 11 February 1983 will be reduced to take account of the fact that one of the children will attain age 18 in the week prior to this date. A pension order book with orders payable from 28 January 1983 together with a book at a lower rate payable from 11 February 1983 have been issued to the designated post office for collection by the claimant and she has been notified accordingly.

The arrears of pension due for the period from 3 September 1982 to 27 January 1983, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which was paid to the claimant by the Western Health Board during that period, will be paid direct to the claimant by payable order as soon as the health board have indicated the amount of their claim in this case.

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