asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons in receipt of unemployment assistance in County Donegal whose means have been calculated notionally on the PLV system.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
426.
The number of persons in receipt of unemployment assistance in County Donegal whose means have been calculated notionally on the PLV system in 1,158.
427.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears of pay-related benefit due to the person concerned this week.
Further combined weekly payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit £27.80 and pay-related benefit £7.14 totalling £34.94, will be made as they become due.
428.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has issued to 5 March 1983.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
429.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings exceeded the statutory limit.
He 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 referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
430.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 August 1982 to 9 September 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. He was paid disability benefit at the weekly rate of £75.00, the maximum amount payable for a married couple with three qualified child dependants, from 9 August 1982, fourth day of incapacity. He was also paid pay-related benefit at £4.48 per week from 19 August 1982, thirteenth day of incapacity.
All disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to him to 9 September 1982 was issued. The final payment issued on 18 September 1982.
431.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance as the means assessed against him exceed the statutory limit and his claim was disallowed. His means are derived from self-employment as a mechanic. He appealed against the disallowance and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries about his means. When these are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
432.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance since 20 September 1982 and the rate in payment to him was £58.55 being the maximum rate £69.55 less means £11.00. Means were derived from self-employment. He applied to have his means re-investigated and following an investigation of his case by a social welfare officer they were reduced to £8.65. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £60.90 weekly with effect from 20 January 1983. Arrangements have been made to pay adjusting arrears this week and future payment will be made at the weekly rate of £60.90.
433.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow.
The weekly means of the person concerned have been assessed at £30.75 derived from the value of board and lodging on his mother's holding. As the amount exceeds the rate of unemployment assistance payable to a single applicant living in a rural area, £25.45, he is not entitled to unemployment assistance. It is open to him, if dissatisfied, to appeal against the deciding officers decision. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
434.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for the period 24th December, 1982 to 3rd January, 1983.
The person concerned was disallowed payment of disability benefit from 24 December 1982 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He subsequently submitted a final certificate from his doctor indicating that he was fit to resume work on 3 January 1983. He has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 3 January 1983. On review of the case it was decided to admit his claim for disability benefit for the period from 24 December 1982 to 1 January 1983 and payment for that period was issued on 24 February 1983.
435.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit has been authorised at the weekly rate of £81.95 with effect from 11 January 1983. Arrears of the benefit due were paid to him last week. He was requested to furnish a form P60 in respect of the year 1981-82 and as soon as he does so his entitlement to pay-related benefit will be determined. In the meantime weekly payments of £81.95 will continue to be made as they become due.
436.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay related benefit at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following the receipt of details of additional earnings during the relevant income tax period payment of pay-related benefit to the person concerned was authorised at the rate of £46.47.
This is the maximum rate payable to him as his entitlement to pay-related benefit with unemployment benefit is subject to the limitation that his total benefit may not exceed 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings which in his case amounts to £114.52.
All arrears of pay-related benefit were paid to him last week and further combined weekly payments totalling £114.52 representing flat-rate unemployment benefit £68.05 and pay-related benefit £46.47 will be made as they become due.
437.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The entitlement of the person concerned could not be determined until inquiries to ascertain her availability for work had been completed. The investigations were recently completed and her claim has been allowed at the weekly rate of £27.80 flat-rate unemployment benefit and £31.92 pay-related benefit.
All arrears due were paid last week. Further combined weekly payments of £59.72 representing unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit will be made as they become due.
438.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal against the discontinuance of disability benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin will be heard.
The person concerned was disallowed payment of disability benefit from 31 January 1983 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. In connection with her appeal against the disallowance arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 7 March 1983. Her entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
439.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if pay related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with unemployment benefit is subject to a limitation which provides that the sum of unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income-tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of a claimant's net average weekly earnings.
The person concerned is presently in receipt of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £94.45 weekly and as the 85 per cent limit applicable to him is £86.47 pay-related benefit is not payable.
440.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if arrears of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was disallowed payment of disability benefit from 27 January 1983 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
All benefit due to 26 January 1983 has been paid. Her entitlement to further payment in respect of the period 27 January to 10 February 1983 is being referred to an appeals officer for determination. She was certified by her doctor as fit to resume work from 11 February 1983.
441.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the amount of unemployment assistance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is not entitled to an increase in the rate of unemployment assistance which he is presently receiving. He is being paid at the weekly rate of £44.55 being the maximum rate payable to him £57.95 less means £13.40 which are derived from self-employment. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer upheld the assessment of his means at £13.40 weekly.
442.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be refunded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned claimed and was paid injury benefit in respect of the period from 16 February 1982, first day of incapacity, to 27 March 1982, final day of incapacity.
Pay-related benefit was also paid in respect of the period from 3 March 1982, thirteenth day of incapacity. At the same time she also claimed disability benefit under another RSI number which was allowed from 20 February 1982.
A cheque for £203.30 issued in payment of injury benefit was not cashed in view of the duplicate claim awarded. As a result the person concerned was due the sum of £72.56 in respect of injury benefit due less disability benefit already paid. A cheque for the amount involved has now been issued.
443.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will approve a free telephone rental allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance made by the person concerned on 16 February 1983 has been approved by my Department and the Department of Posts and Telegraphs has been advised accordingly.
That Department will arrange to apply the allowance to the person's next quarterly account.
444.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when payment will be made.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance as the amount of means assessed against him exceeded the statutory limit and his claim was disallowed. Means in his case were derived from self-employment as an agricultural contractor and from the profit of his holding. He ceased to sign as unemployed after 2 February 1983.
445.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
The Regulations provide that the claimant, apart from satisfying the contribution conditions, must be regarded as permanently incapable of work in order to quality for invalidity pension. To determine her entitlement to invalidity pension arrangements are being made to have the person concerned examined by a medical referee on 7 March 1983. Her entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
446.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when this will be paid as he is in very poor circumstances.
Inquiries are at present being made about the means of the person concerned and it is expected that the investigations will be completed shortly. As soon as they are completed entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
In the meantime it is open to him to claim supplementary welfare allowance from his local health authority pending a decision on his entitlement to unemployment assistance.
447.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned is not entitled to pay-related benefit with her flat-rate unemployment benefit which is paid to her at the rate of £31.65 weekly.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit is subject to the limitation that the total amount of unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income tax refund may not exceed 85 per cent of an applicants average net weekly earnings. In the case of the person concerned the 85 per cent limit applicable to her was £28.15 and as her weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit exceeds this sum pay-related benefit is not payable to her.
448.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review an application for disability benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin as he was ill at the time he was due to undergo a medical examination, was attending hospital and had submitted letters to that effect to his Department.
The person concerned was disqualified for disability benefit from 4 October to 13 November 1982 and a further disqualification for six weeks was imposed from 12 February 1983 as he failed to attend for examination by a Medical Referee on 17 September 1982 and 28 January 1983. Following a review of his claim, however, in the light of the medical evidence submitted by him it has been decided to waive the disqualification period in both instances.
A cheque for the arrears of benefit due, less amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, was issued on 25 February 1983. All benefit due to him to 5 March 1983 has been issued.
449.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Laois is only receiving £14.30 unemployment assistance per week.
The means of the person concerned derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parents' home, were assessed at £11.15 weekly and this amount was deducted from the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable in this case, £25.45, to give him an entitlement of £14.30 weekly. He appealed against the amount assessed against him as means and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
450.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Inquiries were necessary to ascertain the reason for termination of employment before the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit could be determined. These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate of £68.05 weekly. All arrears due to him were paid on 23 February 1983 and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
451.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a new widow's pension book has not been issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare.
The person concerned will attain 66 years of age on 3 March 1983 and a new higher-rate pension book payable from Friday, 4 March was sent to her on 28 February. It is the practice in such cases to issue the new book shortly before the due date.
452.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay related and unemployment benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned was requested on numerous occasions to furnish details of his earnings to enable his entitlement to pay-related benefit to be determined but he did so only recently.
Payment of pay-related benefit has been allowed at £29.38 weekly and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week.
Further weekly combined payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit amounting to £61.03 will be made as they become due.
453.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The claim of the person concerned to widow's non-contributory pension was refused on the basis that her means derived from the estimated yearly value of a farm exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of a pension by a widow with no qualified children. She was notified of this decision on 27 October 1982 and of her right, if dissatisfied, to appeal against it.
A copy of a deed of transfer was subsequently received from her solicitor in respect of the transfer of her interest in the farm to her son. As, however, the deed was not fully completed it was returned to the solicitor to arrange for completion. It is also understood that some slight amendments to the provisions in the document are in process.
As soon as the final deed of transfer is received, the claimant's means will be reassessed from that date and a review of her claim will be carried out without delay.
454.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has issued to 5 March 1983.
The person concerned is being considered for the award of an invalidity pension and in this connection arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee of the Department on 10 March 1983. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of that examination.
455.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an unemployment assistance claim will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned applied on 4 August 1982 for unemployment assistance for which a qualification certificate which is a statement of means is a prerequisite. His application was refused on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment as a carpenter exceeded the statutory income limit. He ceased to sign the unemployed register on 18 September 1982.
456.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability payments will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
All payments of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to the person concerned in respect of the period 24 September 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 21 February 1983 have been issued.
The person concerned is being asked to notify my Department if any of the payments have not been received.
457.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Following the completion of additional enquiries about his means the case of the person concerned has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. In the meantime he continues to receive weekly payments of unemployment assistance at the rate of £44.40 being the maximum rate of £63.75 less means £19.35.
458.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 19 October to 1 November 1982. She was certified fit to resume work on 2 November 1982 but she did not submit a claim for benefit until 15 December 1982.
The regulations provide that a person who fails to give notice of incapacity or to submit medical evidence within seven days of the commencement of incapacity is disqualified from receiving disability benefit in respect of any period more than seven days before the date on which such notice or medical evidence is received unless there is good cause for the delay. A satisfactory explanation for failure to submit the claim in time was not received and it was accordingly disallowed.
There was a delay of six weeks between the time the claimant was certified fit for work and the time she submitted the claim for benefit. She had claimed and received benefit on a previous occasion and it cannot be accepted as good cause for late claiming on this occasion that she was unaware of the procedure.
459.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance on the grounds that the means assessed against him £28.85 exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance £25.45 payable to him. Means in his case are derived from self-employment as a plasterer.
460.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay social welfare benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 12 June 1982 to 31 August 1982 but her claim was disallowed as she did not satisfy the contribution conditions during the governing contribution year 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981. The class of contribution paid in respect of her employment did not provide cover against unemployment. She appealed against the decision in her case but an appeals officer upheld the disallowance.
She claimed unemployment benefit again from 4 January 1983 and as she fulfilled the contribution requirements during the period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 her claim was allowed at the rate of £27.80 weekly. She is signing as unemployed on 4 days each week and payments of £18.53 are made to her each week.
She is not entitled to pay-related benefit with her flat-rate unemployment benefit as she has insufficient reckonable earnings to qualify for payment.
461.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was only paid disability benefit at the single person's rate up to 7 February; and if an allowance will now be made for his wife and three children and the matter brought up to date.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 24 January 1983 and was paid from 27 January 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 7 February 1983 at the maximum single rate.
Following the receipt of a claim form in respect of his wife and three dependent children, an adjustment cheque-for the arrears of benefit due was issued to him on 10 February 1983.
All disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 21 February 1983, date of latest medical certificate received, has been issued.
462.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if all outstanding benefit will be paid to her.
Payment of all disability benefit due to the person concerned in respect of the period 6 August fourth day of incapacity, to 14 September 1982, after which date she resumed work has issued. Her claim to benefit was disallowed initially as she had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1980-81, the contribution year governing her claim. It has since been established, however, that she is entitled to 40 pre-entry credited contributions in the relevant contribution year and entitled to receive payment of benefit.
463.
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 16 weeks ago and to date has not been informed of the decision.
The person concerned applied for a qualification certificate which is a statement of means and a pre-requisite for the receipt of unemployment assistance on 7 October 1982. His application was however refused on the grounds that he had failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory income limit and he was notified to that effect. He has made a repeat application but further inquiries are necessary to establish his means. When these inquiries are completed a decision on the application will be given without delay.
464.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit with effect from 8 June 1982. Payments at the weekly rate of £42.04 (£26.25 flat-rate unemployment benefit and £15.79 pay-related benefit) continue to be made as they become due.
465.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a deserted wife's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
An application for deserted wife's allowance/benefit from the person concerned has been investigated by the Social Welfare Officer and his report is being forwarded. As soon as the report is received the claim will be considered by a deciding officer and it is hoped that it will be possible to contact the claimant in the matter within a week.
466.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance for which a qualification certificate which is a statement of means is a pre-requisite.
Inquiries are at present being made to establish his means. When the inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined. In the meantime he is receiving supplementary welfare allowance.
467.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
It has not been possible from the information supplied to trace a benefit claim for the person concerned. If the RSI number or the social insurance number of the claimant can be quoted this will enable the claim to be identified and the information sought by the Deputy to be supplied.
468.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned was in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension up to October 1979 when, following a re-investigation of her means, it was established that they exceeded the statutory limit and her pension was accordingly terminated. She appealed against the decision given but it was upheld by an appeals officer.
The Deputy's question is being taken as a renewed application for pension and her circumstances are now being re-investigated. A decision on her case will be given when the inquiries have been completed.
469.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widows' pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
There is no record in my Department of the receipt of any recent claim to widow's pension from the person concerned. A claim by her in October 1977 was refused on the grounds that she was over old age pension age and widow's non-contributory pension was at that time not payable in such circumstances. She was however awarded an old age non-contributory pension from 26 July 1977 and is currently in receipt of that pension at the maximum rate.
As the maximum rates of non-contributory old age and widow's pensions are the same no advantage would be gained by the claimant in transferring to widow's pension. The two pensions are not payable concurrently.
470.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned is presently in receipt of weekly unemployment assistance at £2.45 being the maximum amount payable to him £25.45 less means £23.00. Means in his case are derived from self-employment as a handyman.
He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and additional inquiries about his income from self-employment are being made. When these 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.
471.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be transferred from disability benefit to an invalidity pension.
A claim for retirement pension was received from the person concerned on 31 December 1982 and he was awarded this pension at the rate of £40.25 from 20 January 1983, i.e. the Thursday following his 65th birthday. A retirement pension book containing orders for payment from 17 February 1983 was issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he was notified accordingly. The arrears due from 20 January 1983 to 16 February 1983, less the amount of disability benefit paid to him in that period were issued by means of a separate payable order.
The person concerned has not claimed invalidity pension but is qualified to receive that pension at the rate of £35.50, the rate appropriate to a single man without dependants. Regulations provide that invalidity pension and retirement pension cannot be paid together in respect of the same period.
Invalidity pensioners are however entitled to receive a free travel pass. A free electricity allowance and free television licence are also available to invalidity pensioners subject to certain conditions. These schemes do not apply to retirement pensioners until they reach pensionable age of 66 years. If the person concerned wishes to receive invalidity pension instead of retirement pension he should notify the Department and arrangements will be made to transfer him to invalidity pension.
472.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 21 February 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
473.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit at the full rate has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if all outstanding benefit will be paid.
The person concerned is in receipt of the maximum flat rate unemployment benefit £75.00 to which he is entitled. However, his entitlement to pay-related benefit with his unemployment benefit is subject to the limitation that his total benefit may not exceed 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings which in his case amounted to £78.67. He is accordingly entitled to pay-related benefit at £3.67 weekly.
Combined weekly payments at £78.67 representing flat rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit continue to be made to him as they become due. He is accordingly receiving the full rate to which he is entitled.
474.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; as she has been waiting for a decision for the past 20 weeks; and the reason for the delay in making payment.
Payment of unemployment assistance to the person concerned has been authorised at the weekly rate of £23.70 from 1 January 1982 increased to £30.95, from 31 March 1982. These are the appropriate maximum rates in her case less weekly means of £8.85 derived from the letting of a room. As she has not signed the unemployed register since 3 February 1983 she will be written to this week to collect any arrears due to her at her local office.
The delay in payment arose because it was necessary to await the result of court proceedings before her entitlement to unemployment assistance could be determined.
475.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she commenced forwarding doctor's certificates to his Department on 24 January 1982 and to date had not been awarded any payment; and the reason for the delay in making payment.
Payment of all disability benefit due to the person concerned in respect of the period 23 January 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 14 February 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate, has issued. Pay-related benefit has been paid in respect of the period 3 February, thirteenth day of incapacity, to 14 February 1983.
The delay in issuing payment was due to the claimant's failure to submit a first medical certificate with her claim for benefit. She submitted an intermediate certificate only and this had to be returned to her for amendment before proceeding further with the claim.
476.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the payment of disability benefit at a reduced rate to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan.
The person concerned is in receipt of disablement pension under the occupational injuries scheme in respect of disablement resulting from a prescribed occupational disease.
Since 1975 the extent of his disablement has been medically assessed at 60 per cent and he has been receiving disablement pension since then at the rate appropriate to 60 per cent disablement. The present rate is £28.44 a week which will be reviewed following a further medical examination in May next. He is also in receipt of invalidity pension at the rate of £83.15 a week, the rate appropriate to a married man with three dependent children.
477.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for unemployment assistance at the full rate to be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as he has been unemployed and has unsuccessfully tried for work on several occasions.
The person concerned applied for a re-investigation of her means and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. When the social welfare officer's report is received her means will be re-assessed and the rate of unemployment assistance which is presently being paid to her will be reviewed in the light of the outcome.
478.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give full details of the amount of disability benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for the financial year 1981-82.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 12 February 1981, fourth day of incapacity to 20 February 1982. He was also paid pay-related benefit from 23 February 1981, thirteenth day of incapacity to 20 February 1982. He was certified as fit to resume work on 22 February 1982.
The total benefit paid for the financial year 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 amounted to £2,947.27. This figure includes an amount of £758.57 in respect of pay-related benefit.
The total benefit paid for the period 12 February 1981 to 5 April 1981 amounted to £423.92. This figure includes an amount of £126.54 in respect of pay-related benefit.
479.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have all outstanding payments of disability benefit made to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as certificates have been submitted for the period 7th December, 1982 to 11th February, 1983.
The person concerned submitted a claim for disability benefit on 11 February 1983 in respect of an incapacity for work which commenced on 7 December 1982. Payment was disallowed from 10 December 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 3 February 1983 as he failed to give notice of his incapacity within the prescribed time (within seven days from the day on which he became incapable of work).
His claim was authorised from 4 February 1983 (seven days before the date on which notice of incapacity was given) and payment was made to 10 February 1983, date of latest medical certificate received.
Following a review of his claim, however, and in view of the nature of his incapacity, it has been decided to waive the disallowance period in this case and admit payment from 10 December 1982. A cheque for the arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit was issued to the claimant on 25 February 1983.
480.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as the application has been made and the applicant is unable to obtain work even though she has tried on several occasions and has registered with the National Manpower Service.
Inquiries to establish that the person concerned is available for work were recently completed and her unemployment benefit claim was allowed at £27.80 weekly, the maximum amount payable to a married woman.
All arrears due will be paid when she next calls to her local office and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
481.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the rate of widow's pension was recently reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person concerned was awarded a partial rate widow's contributory pension in 1979 based on a yearly average of 35 insurance contributions. She was due a new book at a rate of £34.70 for herself only (a separate book was issued in respect of her children) from 2 April 1982 but a book at the maximum rate of £36.25 was sent out in error. The mistake was discovered in September 1982 and a book at the correct composite rate for herself and the children, payable from 1 October 1982, was issued at that time.
482.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the proper rate of disability benefit has been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has been out of work since 10 December 1982; and if he will arrange to have sick pay claims to which the applicant is entitled, paid without further delay.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit at £31.65 per week from 14 December 1982, fourth day of incapacity, and pay-related benefit at £4.91 per week from 24 December 1982, thirteenth day of incapacity. Payments have issued to 18 February 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
On review, however, it has been found that he was only entitled to disability benefit at £28.30 per week, as he had only 28 contributions paid or credited in 1980-1981, the contribution year governing his claim. To be entitled to disability benefit at the maximum weekly rate, £31.65, he would need to have had at least 48 contributions in that year. The benefit overpaid, amounting to £32.38, will be recovered by deductions of £3 per week from future benefit due.
According to the claim form completed by the claimant the incapacity from which he was suffering was not related to the nature of his employment.
In view of the information supplied by the Deputy with his question entitlement to injury benefit in respect of the incapacity will however be further investigated.
483.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
All benefit due to date has now been paid. Her claim was opened in error under an old RSI number referring to her but the matter has now been corrected.
484.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment benefit as she does not satisfy the contribution condition which requires that she must have a minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the contribution year governing her claim.
A claim for unemployment assistance was accepted from her and her case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means.
When the inquiries are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
485.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is not in receipt of full unemployment allowance.
The reason that the person concerned is not being paid the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him is that he was assessed with means at £6.80 weekly derived from land and the value of capital. Accordingly he is being paid at £43.70 being the maximum rate £50.50 less means £6.80.
However, he has applied to have his means reinvestigated and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. The rate of unemploy ment assistance payable to him will be reviewed when the report of the social welfare officer is received.
486.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied at the beginning of February.
Inquiries to establish that the person concerned fulfilled the conditions of being available for work and entitled to unemployment benefit were only recently completed. Her claim has been allowed at £27.80 weekly and all arrears due will be paid to her this week. Further payments will follow at weekly intervals.
487.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a contributory orphan's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The arrears of contributory orphan's allowance due to the person concerned were issued to him on 20 February 1983.
488.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 6 January 1983, the fourth day of incapacity to 11 January 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received, on 28 February 1983.
A difficulty arose initially because the claimant quoted an incorrect RSI number. This difficulty has been resolved and the claimant has been advised to quote her correct RSI number in future.
489.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for an increase in unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned qualified for flat-rate unemployment benefit at the weekly rate of £58.50 with effect from the date of his claim on 22 May 1982. However, this had to be reduced to £51.75 after 6 months as he did not have the required 280 paid contributions in the 7 years preceding his claim.
His recorded earnings in the 1980-1981 contribution year only entitled him to pay-related benefit of 8p a week. However, following protracted inquiries it has recently been established that he had further reckonable earnings which entitled him to increased pay-related benefit of £8.58 up to the 156th day of benefit, £6.44 for the next 78 days of benefit and £5.36 for the next phase commencing on 26 February 1983.
All arrears of pay-related benefit were paid to him last week and further weekly payments at the increased rate of £57.11 will continue as they become due.
490.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of a living alone allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension. There is no record of receipt of a claim for a living alone allowance from him but the local social welfare officer has been asked to investigate the matter and a decision will be made when his report is received.
491.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of a retirement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
One of the conditions for receipt of a retirement pension under Irish Legislation requires the person concerned to have a yearly average of not less than 24 qualifying contributions from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1982. His Irish insurance record is not sufficient to give him the minimum yearly average required to enable him to qualify for pension. He does however under EEC Regulations qualify for a pro-rata rate pension on the basis of his combined Irish and British insurance records since 5 January 1953. This has been awarded to him at the weekly rate of £20.85 from 7 October 1982. A pension book containing orders valid for payment from 24 February 1983 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. The arrears due for the period from 7 October 1982 to 23 February 1983 have been issued to him separately. He is also in receipt of reitrement pension from the British authorities.
492.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a children's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
A renewal book covering payment of children's allowance from July 1982 to December 1982, when the child in question reached 16 years of age, was issued to the nominated post office of payment. It has only recently come to light that this book may not have been received by the person concerned.
The social welfare officer has been asked to investigate the matter and when his inquiries are completed any arrears due will be paid immediately.
493.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old-age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned has been in receipt of old age pension at a reduced rate since 8 December 1980. She applied for a living alone allowance in November 1982, but her claim was disallowed by the local pension committee on 22 February 1983 as her son and daughter-in-law reside with her.
494.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
All arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due in respect of the period from 17 September 1982 fourth day of incapacity, to 28 September 1982, after which date she resumed work, have now been paid to the person concerned.
495.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider restoring a contributory old-age pension to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who was transferred to a widow's pension because she was one stamp short; and if, in view of the harshness of the decision, he will consider intervening in this case.
The conditions for receipt of full rate old age contributory pension require a claimant to have contributions paid in respect of not less than 156 weeks of insurable employment since entry into insurance under the Social Welfare Acts and to have a yearly average of at least 48 paid or credited contributions from the beginning of the 1953-54 contribution year, or year of entry into insurance if this occurred after 1953-54, to the end of the last complete contribution year before attaining pension age of 66 years. A yearly average of 48 provides for payment at the maximum rate; persons with yearly averages of from 20 to 47 contributions are entitled to pension at varying reduced rates.
The person concerned attained age 66 years on 1 April 1982 and was awarded an old age contributory pension on the basis of yearly average of 47 paid and credited contributions over the period from the 1971-72 contribution year, when she entered into insurance under the Social Welfare Acts, to 5 April 1981. The pension was subsequently withdrawn when a check of her insurance record showed that she had paid contributions in respect of a total of only 155 weeks of insurable employment since 1971-72. Her previous record of insurance under the former National Health Insurance Acts can be taken into account in order to satisfy the 156 paid contributions condition but if this is done then, in accordance with the regulations, her yearly average must be calculated over the 28 year period from 1953-54 to 5 April 1981. The yearly average over this period is 20 contributions for which the weekly rate of old age contributory pension is £37.25 or 30p more than the rate of widow's contributory pension which she is receiving at present. She is also in receipt of £2.70 per week living alone allowance which would, of course, continue.
However, if she were to transfer from the widow's contributory pension she would forfeit the automatic entitlement which recipients of this pension have to weekly free fuel vouchers, currently valued at £4 each. As an old age contributory pension recipient she would obtain free fuel vouchers from her local health centre only if she satisifed a means test.
The position will be explained to the pensioner and if she wishes to transfer to an old age contibutory pension the necessary arrangmenets will be made.
496.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who has been forwarding certificates since January and has had no reply from his Department.
A claim for disability benefit was received on the 8 February 1983 from the person concerned and the claim has been allowed from 1 February 1983, that is 7 days prior to the receipt of notice of her illness. All disability benefit and pay-related benefit from that date to 16 February 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been paid. She has been requested to state why notice of her illness was not given within seven days as required by the regulations. When this information is received her claim will be reviewed.
497.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a deserted wife's allowance will now be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin having regard to the fact that her husband deserted her a considerable time ago, that he now resides in the United States and has ceased to send her any support or maintenance whatsoever since May, 1982; and if this allowance will be approved accordingly as a matter of urgency.
It is a condition for receipt of deserted wife's allowance that the claimant must make reasonable efforts to prevail on her husband to support her. She admitted to the officer investigating her case that as late as August 1982 her husband had been paying ESB and mortgage bills. She also admitted that she had made no efforts in the meantime to secure maintenance from him though she was aware of his address in the USA. As the conditions of the scheme were not satisfied it was necessary to disallow the claim.
The claimant has been notified of the decision and of her right to appeal against it.
498.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason benefit was deferred for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin having regard to the fact that a few days after the medical examination and as a result of his illness he had to be admitted to St. James's Hospital, Dublin, where he is still detained having undergone a serious operation following which he will be detained in hospital for a considerable period; and accordingly if all welfare payments due to him will be restored as a matter of urgency.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 15 November 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 2 February 1983. Payment was disallowed after that date following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
In the meantime however notification was received to the effect that the claimant was admitted to hospital on 11 February 1983 and it was decided to restore payment from 3 February 1983. All disability benefit and pay related benefit due to 13 February 1983, date of latest medical certificate, received has been issued.
499.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry does not qualify for disability benefit.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 8 October 1981 to 11 September 1982 after which date payment was discontinued following examination by a medical referee of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the decision to disallow her claim to benefit and in this connection she was examined by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work.
Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of her case in the near future. She will be notified of the time and place of the hearing within the next few days.
500.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Inquiries were necessary to establish the contribution record of the person concerned before his entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined.
These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate of £31.65 weekly. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
501.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he has credits since 3rd January, 1983.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 April 1982 but was not entitled to payment between that date and 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 for that period.
From 3 January 1983 the commencement of a new benefit year, entitlement to benefit in his case may be determined on his 1981-82 insurance record. He had 43 paid contributions in 1981-1982 and these contributions qualify him for a reduced weekly rate of disability benefit from 3 January 1983.
All disability benefit due from 3 January 1983 to 21 February 1983, date of latest medical certificates received, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, was issued on 25 February 1983.
502.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an application for a non-contributory old age pension will be finalised by the appeals officer for a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The appeals officer to whom the old age pension claim of the person concerned was referred requested that further inquiries be made by the social welfare supervisor regarding the claimant's means. The inquiries are at present being made and the case will be decided by the appeals officer as soon as they are completed.
503.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an application for invalidity benefit will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Clare as the applicant is very badly off and is dependent on local charity.
The person claimed disability benefit from 24 August 1981 and was paid a total of 52 weeks benefit to 25 August 1982 based on his insurance record in the 1979-80 contribution year. From 26 August 1982 his entitlement to disability benefit depended on his 1980-81 insurance record and as he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in that year, according to the records of the Department, he did not qualify for further payment. Following investigation of his employment record it has been established, however, that he had 27 contribution weeks of insurable employment in 1980-81 and is qualified for payment of a reduced weekly rate of benefit.
The arrears of disability benefit due for the period from 26 August 1982 to 1 January 1983, less amounts advanced by way of supplementary welfare allowance, were issued on 25 February 1983. All benefit due to 5 March 1983 has since been paid.
The claimant is not qualified on his insurance record for the receipt of an invalidity pension prior to 7 April 1983. A claim form for that pension is, however, being issued to him and on return of the form, duly completed, the question of his transfer to invalidity pension from 7 April 1983 will be considered.
504.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance or farmer's dole will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare as he was disqualified in March, 1982, but has since appealed and has found a new residence.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 3 March 1982 as the amount of means assessed against him exceeded the statutory limit. He did not appeal against the disallowance.
The person concerned has not been in touch with his local office since 3 March 1982. It is, however, open to him to apply to have his means reinvestigated after which his entitlement to unemployment assistance would be reviewed.
A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
505.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason arrears of an old age pension have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
An appeals officer has decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum rate of £34.45 a week plus £17.30 adult dependant allowance from 20 November 1982 when he transferred his holding to his sons. The appropriate pension book payable from 7 January 1983 was issued on 31 January 1983 and a payable order for £362.25 covering the arrears due from 20 November 1982 was issued on 11 February 1983. The appeals officer also decided that the claimant was not entitled to any pension from March 1982 to 19 November 1982 as the assesment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of the holdings, exceeded the statutory limit during that period. Accordingly no further arrears are due.
506.
asked the Minsiter for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Cork against the decision to decrease by 50 per cent his rate of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £18.35 being the appropriate maximum rate of £50.50 less means £32.15 derived from self-employment as the owner of a garden centre.
He applied on 19 January 1983 for a review of the means assessed against him. Inquiries are currently being made to establish his present means. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed.
507.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned has been in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance since 24 March 1981. He is presently being paid at the weekly rate of £7.85 being the maximum rate payable, £57.95, to him less means £50.10 derived from land and the value of capital.
He recently applied for a reinvestigation of his means and arrangements are being made for an investigation by a social welfare officer. When the inquiries are completed the assessment of his means will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
508.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a prescribed relative's allowance will not be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The application of the person concerned for prescribed relative allowance was disallowed on 20 January 1983, as the conditions of the scheme were not satisfied in her case.
The condition which provides that, apart from the prescribed relative, the pensioner must be living alone was not satisfied in her case. Neither is the condition which stipulates that the prescribed relative must not be a married woman maintained by her husband.
509.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's allowance for herself and one qualified child at the maximum rate with effect from 14 October 1982. A book with orders payable from 24 February 1983 has been forwarded to the designated Post Office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
A payable order in respect of arrears due from 14 October 1982 to 23 February 1983, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which she received from the Mid-Western Health Board in the same period, has been sent direct to her.
510.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the special circumstances, he will arrange to have the moneys due paid immediately to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 31 January 1983, and following completion of inquiries to ascertain his contribution record his claim was allowed at the maximum weekly rate of £81.95. All arrears due to him will be paid this week and further payments will be made as they become due. Inquiries are being made about his reckonable earnings and when these are completed his entitlement to pay-related benefit will be determined.
511.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment and pay-related benefits will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been in continuous receipt of flat-rate unemployment benefit at the weekly rate of £68.05 since 9 December 1982. Inquiries to determine his entitlement to pay-related benefit have now been completed and payment has been authorised at £14.56 weekly. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week. Further combined payments of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit amounting to £82.61 will be made as weekly payments become due.
512.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as he applied on 11 October 1982.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 27 October 1982 but when a social welfare officer called to investigate his means at the address given he was no longer residing there and his whereabouts were unknown. He subsequently claimed again in December 1982 and following an investigation he was assessed with nil means. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £45.20.
Arrangements have been made to pay this week all arrears of unemployment assistance due, less advances of supplementary welfare allowance which were paid to him pending a decision on his claim. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
513.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the 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 investigated and is being referred to the local pension committee for decision. Payment of a pension has not been recommended as the assessment of the claimant's means, consisting of the letting value of a holding and capital, the disposal of the greater part of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes, exceeds the statutory limit of £38 a week.
514.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the reduced rate of £16.35 a week from 13 October 1982. The assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a pension from the ESB and capital, entitles him to a pension at this rate. The appropriate pension order book and arrears have been issued.
515.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore a prescribed relative's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Prescribed relative allowance cannot be paid to the pensioner concerned in respect of either of her daughters as the elder is in receipt of an old age pension in her own right and the other is herself ill and not, therefore in a position to provide the care and attention required by the scheme. However, the Department's records indicate that the younger daughter has reached the qualifying age for single woman's allowance and, in the circumstances of the case, arrangements are being made for a social welfare officer to investigate her entitlement under this scheme.