asked the Minister for Social Welfare the rate of supplementary benefit payable to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; how this assessment was carried out; and if he will explain the rate of benefit.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
717.
The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit on 30 March 1983 after which he claimed unemployment assistance.
His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The investigating officer interviewed the applicant and obtained details of the income of the household which comprise two parents who are working and one other non-earning person. The net income of the parents less the amount of rent payable and a set allowance for each parent was divided between the two non-earning members of the household and the sum so calculated was assessed at £25 weekly as being the advantage accruing to him of living and lodging in his parents' home. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £1.25 weekly being the maximum rate £26.25 less £25 and payments were made to him as they became due. He has appealed against the assessment of his 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.
718.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
On 20 April 1983 the sub-postmistress of the designated post office in this case informed the Department that the renewal old age contributory pension book for the person concerned had not been received. A replacement book which contained orders payable for the full period from the renewal date of 1 April 1983 was immediately issued and receipt of this book has been confirmed.
719.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
As a result of a general review of the claim of the person concerned to deserted wife's allowance it came to light that she had left her home area for a holiday and had left no forwarding address. Consequently, payment of her allowance at the designated post office was stopped pending clarification of the position. Information has now been received that the claimant has returned home and order books payable from the date of the last order cashed have been forwarded to her.
720.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath as he has been waiting for benefit for a long time.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 March 1983 and has been paid to 25 April 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received. The claimant has indicated, however, that he has not received all benefit due in respect of a number of previous claims and arrangements are being made for an inspector of my Department to call on him at an early date regarding the matter.
721.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. Further inquiries in her case were necessary but as she left her address the investigation officer was unable to contact her.
She reapplied on 13 April 1983 and arrangements have been made to have her case investigated. When the inquiries are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly. In the meantime she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at the maximum rate payable to her £25.45 pending the outcome of her unemployment assistance claim.
Questions Nos. 722 to 724 postponed.
725.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied approximately six weeks ago; and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 16 September 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 7 May 1983, and there has been no undue delay in issuing payment of benefit. Arrangements have been made to pay him at regular weekly intervals while medical certificates are only required on a monthly basis. Pay-related benefit was also paid from 27 September 1982, thirteenth day of incapacity, up to 2 April 1983. However, the Social Welfare Act, 1983, provides that pay-related benefit is not payable where the total amount of disability and pay-related benefit equals or exceeds 80% of a claimant's average reckonable weekly earnings in the relevant tax year, which in this case is the 1980-81 tax year.
Disability benefit in payment equalled 80% of the claimant's reckonable weekly earnings and he therefore ceased to be entitled to pay-related benefit from 4 April 1983. He continues, however, to receive flat-rate disability benefit of £59.65 weekly which is the maximum rate for a married couple with one dependent child.
726.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she applied approximately 12 weeks ago; and the reason for the delay.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned has been authorised at the weekly rate of £32.29, including £4.49 pay-related benefit. All arrears due to her were paid last week and further weekly payments of £32.29 will continue as they become due.
The delay was due to the need to ascertain the date on which her entitlement to maternity allowance ceased, after which date her entitlement to unemployment benefit commenced.
727.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will pay all outstanding arrears.
The application in June 1982 of the person concerned for a qualification certificate with a view to claiming unemployment assistance was turned down on the grounds that he failed to disclose his means. He was informed of this decision and was given a form on which to appeal against it if dissatisfied. However, he did not make an appeal. He was also asked on a number of occasions to call to the local office in connection with the matter but did not do so. He attended at the local office on 22 April 1983 when he completed another application for a qualification certificate. Arrangements have been made to have an investigation of his means carried out by a social welfare officer and when this has been done his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
728.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when maternity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she applied approximately five weeks ago; and the reason payment has not been made.
The maternity claim of the person concerned has been authorised for the period 1 April 1983 to 7 July 1983. All benefit payable to date has been issued. The claim was received on 28 March 1983 but, owing to an administrative delay, the initial payment was not issued until 25 April 1983.
729.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will expedite payment.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for an investigation of his means. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
730.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
No trace can be found in the records of the Department of a claim for an old age pension from the person concerned. He is therefore advised to obtain a further claim form at his local post office and to forward the completed form to the Department for investigation and his entitlement will then be determined.
731.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was assessed with means £6.30 derived from capital and accordingly his weekly rate of unemployment assistance is £51.65 being the maximum weekly rate payable to him £57.95 less £6.30. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer, whose decision is final in the absence of fresh facts or new evidence, upheld the assessment of means at £6.30 weekly. The decision of the appeals officer was communicated to the claimant on 28 April 1983.
732.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for refusing an unemployment assistance claim by a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit and accordingly his claim for unemployment assistance was disallowed.
He appealed against the disallowance and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer assessed him with means at £55.75 weekly. Accordingly, he is entitled to unemployment assistance at £8.00 weekly being the maximum amount payable to him £63.75 less means £55.75. He signed as unemployed from 23 August 1982 to 27 October 1982 and arrangements are being made to pay the arrears due in respect of this period shortly.
733.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 22 October 1982 was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from his farm and his wife's earnings exceeded the statutory limit of £3,681.60 in his case. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer confirmed the decision given in his case.
734.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is not eligible to claim unemployment benefit as he was never insurably employed and accordingly has no contribution record.
He claimed unemployment assistance but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work and was therefore not available for work. He appealed against the disallowance but following an oral hearing of his case on 23 November 1982 an appeals officer upheld the disallowance.
His entitlement to unemployment assistance is presently being reviewed and as he is a postal applicant he has been written to and asked to furnish details of the efforts which he is now making to obtain work. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of his reply.
735.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance from 7 July 1982 to 31 August 1982 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. He advised the investigating officer that he would inform him if he wished to pursue his claim and his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He claimed again on 24 January 1983 and his case was again referred to a social welfare officer. He also conveyed that he wished his case for payment of unemployment assistance in respect of the period 7 July 1982 to 31 August 1982 to be considered in the light of the outcome of the investigation of his means.
Following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with means at £30.00 weekly, derived from self-employment as a plasterer with effect from 7 July 1982 increasing to £55.00 weekly from 24 January 1983.
He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £20.50 weekly being the maximum rate £50.50 less £30.00 means during the period 7 July 1982 to 31 August 1982 and arrangements have been made to pay these arrears this week.
However, he is not entitled to unemployment assistance from 24 January 1983 on the grounds that the means assessed against him from that date exceed the maximum rate payable to him. It is open to him to appeal against the amount of means assessed against him and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
736.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a decision has not been given on an application for a non-contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed by an appeals officer in September 1981 on the ground that the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of his wife's occupational pension and a small amount of capital, exceeded the statutory limit. The decision was sent to the local pension committee in October 1981 for communication to the claimant.
737.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position in relation to an application for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance on 18 June 1982 was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from his farm exceeded the statutory income limit of £3,380 in his case. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer confirmed the decision given in his case.
738.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is not qualified for unemployment benefit as he has insufficient contributions. His application for unemployment assistance was turned down as his means derived from his farm exceeded the statutory limit of £3,681.60 a year in his case. He appealed against this decision 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 appeals officer's decision.
739.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was last in touch with his local office on 22 November 1980 and has not lodged a claim for unemployment benefit since that date.
If he is presently unemployed he should attend his local office and sign the unemployed register to enable his entitlement to unemployment benefit to be determined.
740.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be put on long-term payment.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to 7 May 1983. A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him.
741.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a free electricity allowance was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The free electricity allowance which applied to the account of the person concerned was terminated from 1 July 1982 as his son, who was residing with him, ceased to be a person who came within the excepted categories for satisflying the "living alone" condition of the scheme when he reached the age of 18 years.
Inquiries, which were made following receipt of a repeat application, indicate that he is now living alone and the ESB have, therefore, been instructed to reapply the allowance to his account from the March-April 1983 billing period onwards.
742.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a pension was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
An investigation of the means of the person concerned revealed that his means, consisting of a British retirement pension and capital, had increased and a question for reduction of his pension has been referred to the local pension committee for decision. Pension at the rate of £10.95 is in payment pending the pension committee's decision. This is the rate of pension to which he is now entitled having regard to the latest assessment of his means.
743.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Investigations regarding the insurance record of the person concerned have been completed and all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due have now been paid.
744.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow since September 1982.
Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit for 23 weeks from 23 June to 30 November 1981. She was entitled to payment for a further 29 weeks on her claim from 8 March 1982. Her entitlement was, therefore, exhausted on 25 September 1982.
Payment was, however, made in error to 28 February 1983 resulting in an overpayment of £539.72. Before she can requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid.
754.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow as she has been signing for nine weeks.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit and inquiries were necessary to establish her contribution record. These inquiries were recently completed and payment was authorised at £27.80 weekly. All arrears due were paid on 19 April 1983 and further payments will be made as they become due.
746.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed by an appeals officer on 7 March 1983 on the ground that his means were not fully disclosed. The appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
747.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow from 10 to 28 September 1982.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 11 September 1982. Payment of benefit was not, however, authorised as according to the records of my Department he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions registered in 1980-81, the contribution year governing his claim. His contribution record for that year showed a total of 18 paid contributions.
Following inquiries it was established that he had entered insurable employment on 1 December 1980 and, as he had further paid contributions in 1981-82, was entitled to the award of 38 pre-entry credited contributions for the period April to November 1980 which entitled him to payment of benefit.
Payment of all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due from 15 September 1982, fourth day of incapacity, to 27 September 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work, was issued on 28 April 1983.
748.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at the maximum rate is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the fact that he has no means.
Following a review of his case the means of the person concerned were assessed at £1.90 weekly with effect from 8 February 1983. Means were derived from the value of land.
He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the rate of £42.05 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him, £43.95 less £1.90 and all arrears due were paid to him last week. Further weekly payments at £42.05 will be made to him as they become due.
If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
749.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision. Pension at the maximum rate plus adult dependant allowance has been recommended by the social welfare officer with effect from 14 February 1983 (date on which the claimant's holding was transferred). A pension book is in course of issue on a provisional basis pending the pension committee's decision.
750.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have regular weekly payments of disability benefit made to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as his certificates are submitted each week.
Arrangements to pay the person concerned at regular weekly intervals have now been made.
751.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give an immediate decision on the grant of a full contributory retirement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned is in receipt of an old age contributory pension at the full rate, including an adult dependant's allowance in respect of his wife. Payment of this allowance will now cease as his wife has been awarded a non-contributory old age pension in her own right at a rate higher than the adult dependant's allowance.
Separate books for the husband's revised rate of contributory pension and for the wife's non-contributory pension are being issued.
752.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not qualified for an old age pension at the full rate.
The pension in payment to the person concerned — £32.45 — is the rate appropriate to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of capital, the disposal of the greater part of which was not accepted for old age pension purposes.
753.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
All disability benefit payable to the person concerned has been issued. The delay in issuing payment for the period from 20 March 1983 to 12 April 1983 was due to a delay on the part of the claimant in submitting a medical certificate.
754.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 24 February 1983 to 25 April 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received.
Payment was interrupted temporarily from 2 March 1983 when the claim was closed in error as a result of the misreading of a date of a final medical certificate issued on 7 March 1983 although the claimant remains incapable of work. The issue of a final certificate at that time was not appropriate and payment of benefit will continue as further medical evidence of incapacity is received.
755.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 January 1983. He is not entitled to benefit however as during 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim, he paid a reduced contribution rate which is not reckonable for disability benefit.
The reduced rate contributions paid on his behalf are only reckonable for occupational injury benefit and health purposes.
756.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when all arrears of unemployment benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be paid.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment benefit ceased following receipt of the maximum number of 390 days' benefit on 10 July 1979. In order to requalify for unemployment benefit he must satisfy the condition of having at least 13 contributions of the appropriate class following the 156th day of unemployment benefit. Inquiries are at present being made to establish the class of contributions which are appropriate to the employment in which the person concerned has been engaged. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined.
In the meantime he is receiving £33.68 unemployment assistance in respect of four days unemployment each week. This is the maximum amount payable in his case.
757.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of the pay-related portion of unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 8 October 1982 when engaged in short-time working to 7 January 1983 after which she became fully unemployed. Her entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is governed by the amount of her reckonable earnings during the income tax year 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981.
During this period her earnings were less than £1,250.00 per annum and accordingly she had insufficient reckonable earnings to be entitled to pay-related benefit.
758.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the payment of unemployment assistance was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will arrange to restore assistance urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Payment of unemployment assistance to the person concerned was suspended by his local office when it was discovered that he had been overpaid on a previous occasion and no recovery was affected.
However, payment has been restored pending an investigation of the matter and two weeks' unemployment assistance were paid to him last week thereby paying all unemployment assistance due to-date. The question of recovery of the amount overpaid will be considered when the investigation is completed and, if appropriate, arrangements will be made to recover the amount outstanding by suitable weekly deductions.
759.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received disability benefit since 10 March 1983.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 10 March 1983 and was paid from 14 March 1983, fourth day of incapacity to 19 March 1983, after which date he was certified fit to resume work.
The delay in payment was due to the claimant quoting an incorrect RSI number on the medical certificates submitted to my Department. There is no trace of medical evidence having been received on behalf of the claimant subsequent to 19 March 1983. If, however, he remained incapable of work after that date he should submit medical evidence to this effect when his claim will be revised.
760.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford whose only means of income is the old age pension.
The ESB have been instructed to apply a free electricity allowance to the account of the person concerned from the February-March 1983 billing period onwards.
761.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit at the full rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is presently being paid the maximum rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit, £31.65 payable to a single person.
He furnished details of his earnings during the 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 income-tax period and on this basis he is currently in receipt of pay-related benefit at £11.01 weekly. Combined weekly payments of £42.66 continue to be made to him as they become due.
762.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when all payments of unemployment and disability benefits will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 6 July 1982 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance but subsequently she withdrew her appeal. There is no record in the Department's records of receipt of any claim to disability benefit.
She again claimed unemployment benefit on 4 February 1983 and her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. However an appeals officer after an oral hearing of her case allowed her claim. Payment of unemployment benefit at the maximum rate payable to her, £27.80 was authorised and all arrears due were paid last week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
763.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the payment of unemployment benefit will be reconsidered on the basis of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit in January 1982 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she did not satisfy the contribution condition of having at least 26 employment contributions in the relevant governing contribution year from 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981.
It was decided that her employment from 1978 to 1981 was not insurable and she recently appealed against this decision. Her case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination and her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
764.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid 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 self-employment as a painter exceeded the statutory limit. He obtained an appeal application form but has not returned it to-date. When he does so his 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.
765.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit at the full rate is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he considers it anomalous that this situation should arise when her sister who has only one-fifth her service with the same company which made them both redundant is in receipt of full pay-related benefit; and if he will rectify the anomaly which allows this type of situation.
Under the regulations the rate of pay-related benefit payable with flat-rate unemployment benefit to an applicant is governed by the total of her reckonable earnings during the relevant income tax period.
The entitlement to pay-related benefit of the person concerned is governed by her reckonable earnings during the income tax period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. She was not, however, fully employed during the period as she was absent through illness from 2 April 1981 to 12 August 1981. The amount of her reckonable earnings was for this reason less than those of her sister and consequently the amount of pay-related benefit to which she was entitled was also less than that of her sister whose reckonable earnings were greater because she had been fully employed during the period 6 April 1981 to April 1982.
Pay-related benefit, as the name implies, is related to the earnings of a claimant and is determined on that basis and not on length of service. The circumstances of the two persons mentioned by the Deputy in the question are not similar and the correct amount of pay-related benefit is being paid in each case.
766.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated and will be referred to the local pension committee for decision on completion of inquiries. If a pension is payable it will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the pension committee's decision.
767.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the ground that his means derived from land and capital exceeded the statutory limit. He 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.
768.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance as the means assessed against him, derived from the letting of land and the profit of his holding, exceed the statutory limit. However, he has applied for a reinvestigation of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries. When these are completed his means will be reviewed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
769.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason no decision has been made on an application for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit on 25 March 1983 when he had received 390 days' benefit. Inquiries were necessary about his means and these were recently completed following which he was assessed with nil means. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate payable to him £80.00 weekly.
Arrangements have been made to commence weekly payments this week and when the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which was advanced to him pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance claim is known, the balance of any arrears due will be paid.
770.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
All arrears of disability benefit payable to the person concerned in respect of the period from 27 January 1983 to 22 April 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received, have now been issued to her.
771.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received disability benefit although medical certificates have been submitted.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 19 April 1983, the date of the latest medical evidence received.
772.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a free electricity allowance was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The free electricity allowance which applied to the account of the person concerned was terminated because his son, who is residing with him, ceased to be a person who came within the excepted categories for satisfying the "living alone" condition of the scheme when he reached 18 years.
773.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is receiving a reduced rate of disability benefit.
The person concerned was paid a total of £96.19 per week (£68.05 disability benefit, £33.14 pay-related benefit) less deductions of £5 per week in recoupment of an overpayment which occurred on a previous claim to 2 April 1983. The amount of pay-related benefit payable was reduced from 4 April 1983 under the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1983 to £20.71 per week and his overall payment then became £83.76 per week. A letter explaining the variation in payment was issued to the person concerned at the time of the change.
774.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been granted unemployment benefit although she is available for work.
Following a review of her case the claim of the person concerned to unemployment benefit was disallowed on the grounds that as she was not genuinely seeking work she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance and an oral hearing of her appeal was held on 13 April 1983 at which she attended and gave evidence on her own behalf. The appeals officer however upheld the disallowance.
775.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
It has not been possible from the particulars supplied to trace an application for living alone allowance in this case. If the Deputy could supply further details, particularly the type of basic pension being received by the person and his pension number, the matter can be further examined.
776.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in regard to an application for unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The application of the person concerned for unemployment assistance of 6 January 1983 was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to disclose his means. However, he has recently furnished details of his means and these were referred for confirmation by a social welfare officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
777.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay the full rate of old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An appeals officer has decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the rate of £26.45 plus £13.30 adult dependant allowance from 14 January 1983. This is the rate appropriate to the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding and capital.
778.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position in regard to the rate of old age pension payable to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and whether she is getting the maximum amount.
The person concerned has not reached old age pension age but was awarded widow's non-contributory pension at the rate of £3.80 per week. This is the rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years who has no qualified child and whose weekly means, derived from a holding of land, exceed £34 per week but do not exceed £36 per week.
She appealed against this assessment and an up-to-date report on her means has been sought before her appeal is decided. This report will be completed very shortly and the case will then be submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The appellant will be notified of his decision as soon as it is available.
779.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if her earnings will now be computed on the basis of 1982-83 and not 1981-82 as stated in his Department's communication because if the recorded earnings for 1982 and 1983 are taken she should be entitled to pay-related benefit.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 20 January 1983, the fourth day of incapacity, to 25 April 1983, the date of the latest medical evidence received. Pay-related benefit was also paid from 31 January 1983, the thirteenth day of incapacity, to 2 April 1983.
She is not entitled to pay-related benefit from 4 April 1983 as the amount of disability benefit payable in her case exceeds 80 per cent of her average reckonable weekly earnings in the 1981-82 tax year which governs entitlement to pay-related benefit on her claim during 1983. Her earnings in the 1982-83 tax year can only be used to calculate pay-related benefit on claims made after 2 January 1984.
780.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when outstanding unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Inquiries were necessary to establish whether the person concerned fulfilled the requirements for payment of unemployment benefit while he was in another EEC country. These inquiries have now been completed and his claim has been authorised at the weekly rate of £79.99 including £27.84 pay-related benefit. Arrangements have been made to pay unemployment benefit to him this week in respect of the period spent outside the State.
781.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford for the period 7 to 24 February 1983.
A claim for disability benefit for the period from 7 February 1983 to 24 February 1983 was received from the person concerned on 16 March 1983. The claim was not admitted for payment as notification of incapacity was not received within seven days from commencement as prescribed by regulations. On review of the case, however, the explanation submitted for the late notification of illness has been accepted and disability benefit has been paid for the period from 10 February 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 24 February 1983, after which date he was certified fit to resume work.
782.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in whose case unemployment assistance was discontinued with effect from 1 February 1983 as he is a married man with one child, his wife has been unemployed since 25 February 1983 and the family income now consists of only £30 per week supplementary welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim from 2 February 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries before submitting it to an appeals officer. Following the completion of inquiries his means were assessed at £31.15 weekly derived from fishing, board and lodgings and capital with effect from 26 February 1983.
He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £19.35 being the maximum rate payable to him £50.50 less £31.15 from 26 February 1983 and all arrears due will be paid this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
His appeal against the disallowance of his claim from 2 February 1983 to 25 February 1983 has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance during this period will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
783.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to restore unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is married with four young children and who has no means, in view of the fact that he cannot now support his wife and family on his existing income.
Following an investigation of his case by a social welfare officer the means of the person concerned were assessed with effect from 16 February 1983 at the weekly rate of £36.15 derived from self-employment as a fisherman.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer, whose decision is final, upheld the assessment of his means at £36.15 weekly. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £33.40 being the maximum rate payable to him, £69.55 less £36.15, continue to be made as they become due.
784.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay all outstanding social welfare benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit at the maximum rate appropriate to a married couple with three dependent children from 1 October 1982 to 12 March 1983. Payment was disallowed for a period of six weeks from 14 March 1983 to 23 April 1983 as the claimant failed to attend for examination on 18 February 1983 by a medical referee of my Department. He subsequently submitted medical evidence in respect of his inability to attend the examination. This was accepted and payment was restored from 14 March 1983. All benefit has been paid to 7 May 1983 including an increase for an additional child born on 16 November 1982.
785.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying dental benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed dental benefit on 18 September 1981. In order to qualify for this benefit claimants must satisfy certain statutory contribution conditions, one of which requires persons over 23 years of age to have, at the date of the claim, not less than 156 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions were paid.
According to the records of my Department, he had a total of 68 contributions paid since he entered insurance on 6 December 1977, and therefore his claim could not be approved. Notifications to this effect were issued to the claimant and his dentist on 28 November 1981.
In accordance with the Deputy's statement indicating that the person concerned had several employments, arrangements have been made to have the matter investigated by an outdoor officer of my Department, and on receipt of his report the claim will be reviewed.
786.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since December 1980 and payment has been issued to 7 May 1983. The delay in issuing payment for the period February to March 1983 was due to a delay on the part of the claimant in submitting a medical certificate.
787.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 28 March 1983, fourth day of incapacity and pay-related benefit from 7 April 1983, thirteenth day of incapacity, to 18 April 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received. The delay in issuing payment was due to an administrative error.
788.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a prescribed relative's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is a pensioner.
The claim of the person concerned to a prescribed relative's allowance is currently under investigation by a local officer of my Department, who, it is expected, will furnish a report very shortly. As soon as this report is received the claim will be decided and the claimant will be notified of the result.
789.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a duplicate children's allowance book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
A replacement allowance book payable from March 1983 has been issued to the person concerned.
790.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as he has been unemployed for almost five months.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance in January last and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit and his claim was disallowed. Means were derived from self-employment as a block layer. He appealed against the decision but an appeals officer, whose decision is final in the absence of fresh facts or evidence, upheld the disallowance.
791.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in taking a decision on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The qualification certificate of the person concerned was revoked on 21 July 1982 on the grounds that his means derived from his holding and from several non-farming self-employments exceeded the statutory limit in his case of £2,238. He appealed against the assessment of his means but the appeals officer confirmed the amount of means assessed.
The person concerned reapplied for a qualification certificate on 9 March 1983 stating that he had ceased his non-farming activities. His application has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation and when the inquiries into his various sources of income have been completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
792.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 22 March 1983 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and, in connection with his appeal, arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee on 10 May 1983. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
793.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been issued to 7 May 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 and a pension book issued.
794.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been continuously in receipt of unemployment assistance since 25 February 1983. Weekly payments at the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £25.45 continue to be made as they become due.
795.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay the full amount of unemployment benefit at the full rate to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is engaged in systematic short-time working for three days each week. He is qualified for maximum weekly rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to a married man with six qualified children, £94.45 and he is currently in receipt of two days benefit at the appropriate daily rate, £18.89 each week. This is the maximum amount to which he is entitled under the regulations.
796.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to transfer a person (details supplied) in County Cork from disability benefit to invalidity pension.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 10 February 1983. The pension book payable from 12 May 1983 has been issued to the designated post office of payment.
Arrears in respect of the period from 10 February 1983 to 11 May 1983, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, will be paid by payable order.
797.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay arrears of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 5 January 1983, and before his entitlement could be determined inquiries were necessary to ascertain what steps he was taking to find work. All inquiries in the matter were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate payable to him of £31.65 weekly. All arrears due were paid on 29 April 1983.
798.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth has not been paid disability benefit for some considerable time; and when the substantial arrears will be paid.
The delay in paying disability benefit to the person concerned was caused by a misfiling of her claim. All benefit payable to 18 April 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received was issued on 29 April 1983.
799.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 28 April 1982, the fourth day of incapacity, to 15 April 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received. She is not entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of disability benefit payable in her case exceeds her average reckonable weekly earnings in the 1980-81 tax year which governs entitlement to pay-related benefit. The entitlement of the person concerned to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks as she has less than 156 weeks contributions paid in respect of her since entry into insurance. To requalify for benefit it would be necessary for her to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment.
800.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance at the full rate has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The weekly means of the person concerned were increased from nil to £51.50, derived from his wife's earnings, with effect from 6 October 1982. He appealed against this decision but the means assessed in his case were confirmed by the appeals officer.
The person concerned applied for a review of his means on 20 February 1983 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for inquiry. When the inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
In the meantime he will continue to receive unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £12.25 being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £63.75 less means of £51.50.
801.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Payment of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £40.50 to the person concerned ceased on 12 April 1983 when his qualification certificate was revoked on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment as a carpet layer exceeds the statutory limit in his case of £2,691.00. He has been informed of his right to appeal against this decision. However, an appeal has not been received from him so far.
802.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension 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 been made to 7 May 1983.
Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
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 on 12 May 1983. His entitlement to the pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of that examination.
803.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free telephone allowance has been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The application for free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned has been approved by the Department and she was notified to this effect on 10 March 1983.
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.
804.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused a free electricity allowance.
The ESB have been instructed to apply a free electricity allowance to the account of the person concerned from the February/March 1983 billing period onwards. Due to a clerical error the person concerned was originally notified that he was not entitled to a free electricity allowance.
805.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to disclose particulars of means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and before submitting his case to an appeals officer for determination his case was referred again to a social welfare oficer for further inquiries about his means. These inquiries were only recently completed and arrangements are being made to refer the matter to an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
806.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a children's allowance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
According to the Department's records the person concerned has been paid all allowances due to date in respect of her four qualified children. There is no trace of any correspondence from her since May 1981 when she claimed an allowance in respect of her fourth child. In view of the Deputy's question the person concerned is being contacted with a view to ascertaining what the problem is and resolving it.
807.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 21 March 1983. An examination of the claim has shown that three cheques covering the period from 24 March 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 22 April 1983, date of the latest medical certificates received, were issued to an incorrect address. Replacement cheques were issued to the claimant on 26 April 1983. Pay-related benefit has also been paid and all benefit due has been paid to 22 April date of latest medical certificate received.
808.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a free electricity allowance has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is 66 years old, in receipt of a widow's pension and lives alone.
The application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned was received in the Department on 15 March 1983 and was subsequently approved.
The ESB have advised that the allowance has been applied to the electricity account of the person concerned from the April/May 1983 billing period onwards.