asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to increase the disabled person's maintenance allowance.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
400.
It is the practice to increase the disabled person's maintenance allowance from time to time, in line with increases in other long-term weekly allowances. The most recent increase was last June, when I increased the allowance by 12 per cent. While I have no immediate plans for a further increase in this allowance I am keeping it under constant review.
401.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries about her means had been completed. These inquiries were only recently completed and she was assessed with means at £19.20 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on her parent's holding.
She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £8.80 weekly being the maximum rate payable to her £28.00 less means £19.20. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to her this week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
402.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay an invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 8 October 1979 and payment has been made to date. 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.
403.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a death grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork, as the application has been lodged for a considerable time; and the reason for the delay.
The grant will be paid as soon as it is established to whom it should be paid. Both the person concerned and his sister claimed the grant and the consent of all of the next-of-kin is required before the grant can be paid to one of them. There is no trace in the Department of the receipt of a reply to a letter which was issued in order to clarify the matter. An inspector will shortly call on the persons involved to assist in bringing the matter to a conclusion.
404.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reconsider the application for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his means have been correctly assessed.
The person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit following an investigation of his case by a social welfare officer and his claim was disallowed from 10 August 1983. Means in his case were derived from self-employment in the building trade.
If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
He has not signed as unemployed since 9 August 1983.
405.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £48.35 weekly derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings. He is accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £1.40 weekly maximum rate payable to him £49.75 less means £48.35 increasing to £3.90 weekly from 5 October 1983 as a long term recipient of unemployment assistance. Although he continued to sign as unemployed he has not to-date collected the unemployment assistance which is due to him at the employment exchange at which he is claiming.
406.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the rate of unemployment assistance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be reviewed in view of the change in her circumstances.
The person concerned applied for a review of her means and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Following the completion of enquiries the assessment of her means was reduced to £8.85 derived from capital and the letting of land.
She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £20.55 weekly being the maximum rate payable to her £29.40 less £8.85 means and all arrears due were paid to her last week. Further payments will be made as they become due.
407.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the rate of unemployment assistance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be reviewed in view of her recent appeal.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £17.40 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in her parents' home. She is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £11.50 weekly being the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to her £28.90 less means £17.40. She appealed against the amount of means assessed against her but an appeals officer upheld the decision in her case and she was notified accordingly on 29 August 1983. She applied to have her means reviewed on 9 September 1983 but she subsequently withdrew her application.
408.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if the decision will be reviewed.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
He applied to have his case reinvestigated on 14 September 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for a reinvestigation. Following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with means at £17.10 weekly. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £11.80 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £28.90 less £17.10 means. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week and further payments will be made as they become due.
409.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if his Department will pay him from the time he became unemployed.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 9 August 1983 to 15 August 1983 and payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit at the combined weekly rate of £124.85 was allowed. However, due to a misfiling of documents at the local office dealing with his claim payment of benefit due was delayed. He has been written to and asked to call into his local office where all benefit due will be paid.
410.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for a deserted wife's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
One of the qualifying conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a husband must have left his wife of his own volition. The deciding officer held that this condition was not satisfied in this case and the claim of the person concerned was disallowed.
The claimant has appealed against the decision and her case has been submitted to an appeals officer for determination. She will be notified of the outcome as soon as the appeals officer gives his decision in the matter. Meanwhile it is understood that claimant is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Mid-Western Health Board.
411.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned is in receipt of retirement pension since 22 April 1982. He submitted a claim for a living alone allowance on 8 September 1983 and following investigation this has been awarded to him with effect from 9 June 1983 i.e. three months prior to the receipt of his claim. A book containing orders valid for payment from 6 October 1983 was issued to the designated post office on 9 November for collection by him and he was notified accordingly. A payable order covering the arrears from 9 June 1983 to 5 October 1983 is being issued direct to him.
412.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned is in receipt of children's allowance in respect of one child born in 1979. No arrears of children's allowance are due in respect of this claim. Following representations from the Deputy to the effect that the person concerned wished to claim children's allowance for an additional child born in November 1982 and as there is no trace of a claim having been received in the Department, a claim form was issued to the person concerned. On receipt of the completed form with the necessary documentation her claim will be decided and any allowance due will be issued promptly.
413.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 16 September 1982 and payment has been made to date.
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 invalidity pension and in this connection arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical reffree on 22 November 1983. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
414.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 7 November 1983, the date of the latest medical certificate received. Benefit is paid as medical certificates are received in the Department and an examination of payments made on the claim show that there are no arrears of benefit due to the claimant.
415.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for social assistance allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned applied for single woman's allowance in September 1981 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that her means derived from the value of board and lodging on her brother's holding exceeded the maximum rate of single woman's allowance payable. The assessment of her means was upheld by an appeals officer.
She re-applied for a single woman's allowance on 20 September 1983 and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for a re-investigation of her means. Inquiries are still being made in the matter but when they are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to single woman's allowance will be determined accordingly.
416.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department will review the rate of disability benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 22 August 1983, following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and in this connection he was examined on 24 October 1983 by a different medical referee who decided that he was incapable of work.
Payment of disability benefit was restored from 22 August and a cheque for the arrears of benefit payable to the claimant from 22 August 1983 less a sum in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the Mid-Western Health Board was issued to him on 9 November 1983. He is at present being paid at the weekly rate of £34.80, the maximum appropriate rate for a single person.
417.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 10 January 1983 to 5 February 1983 but is not qualified for payment as he has not the required minimum of 26 qualifying contributions paid or credited in 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim. He was requested, on 17 January 1983, to forward details of his insurable employment in 1981-82 but he failed to do so. A further request for this information issued on 10 November 1983 and on receipt of his reply his entitlement to benefit will be reviewed.
418.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he agrees that Irish residents who are in receipt of invalidity pension from the UK are discriminated against in that they are precluded from receiving free fuel and a free electricity allowance in the same circumstances that persons in receipt of invalidity pension from his Department would receive them; if he is prepared to end this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The free electricity and free fuel allowance schemes were applied to persons in receipt of an invalidity pension from the Department on the grounds that this is a long-term payment to persons who are permanently incapacitated.
The conditions for receipt of invalidity pension under United Kingdom social security legislation are substantially different from the conditions which apply under Irish legislation. United Kingdom invalidity benefit is payable automatically to any person who has been in receipt of short-term sickness benefit for 28 weeks, irrespective of whether or not incapacity is permanent. This does not meet the qualifying criteria for the allowances mentioned and it is not, therefore, proposed to alter the present arrangements.
419.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim for unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied.
Further inquiry will be made in this matter if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
420.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason only £4.60 per week non-contributory old age pension is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if this matter will be reviewed.
The person concerned attained pensionable age on 22 July 1983. Her claim was investigated by the social welfare officer at the beginning of August following which pension at the rate of £4.60 was put into payment. This is the rate appropriate to the current assessment of her means, consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's earnings. It was subsequently confirmed by the decision of the local Pension Committee that the person concerned is entitled to pension at this rate.
In view of the Deputy's representations the social welfare officer has been asked to re-investigate the case to see whether there has been any change in her circumstances. She will be notified of the outcome.
421.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the position regarding an application for an old age pension by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned claimed old age pension on 13 October 1983 and the claim was referred to the social welfare officer. The officer was unable however to investigate the means as the person concerned declined to give an authorisation to enable certain accounts to be examined. Accordingly the officer was unable to recommend payment of pension in this case. The case is now being referred to the local pension committee and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
422.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit in respect of seven weeks will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned is a landholder who does not satisfy the contribution condition of having at least 78 contributions paid in a three year period. Accordingly, his entitlement to unemployment benefit cannot be determined until investigations which are presently being made by a social welfare officer to ascertain the amount of his income from land, have been completed. He has been advised that it is open to him to claim unemployment assistance pending a decision in his unemployment benefit claim.
423.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit in respect of eight weeks will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The entitlement of the person concerned to pay-related benefit with flat rate unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries to establish the amount of his reckonable earnings had been completed. These inquiries were recently completed and payment of pay-related benefit was allowed at £12.91 weekly. All arrears due were paid to him last week. Further combined payments at £87.76 weekly representing flat rate unemployment benefit of £74.85 and pay-related benefit £12.91 will be made as they become due.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit in respect of eight weeks will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is only receiving £31.15 unemployment benefit per week.
The person concerned is not entitled to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit as she has insufficient reckonable earnings during the income tax period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 to qualify for payment. She is however entitled to flat-rate unemployment benefit at £33.55 weekly and an adjusting payment of arrears due has been made to her. Further weekly payments of £33.55 will be made as they become due.
425.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as she is only receiving £31.15 per week.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the sum of weekly flat rate unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of an applicants average net weekly earnings.
The 85 per cent limit applicable to the person concerned is £30.34. The rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to her exceeds the amount and, accordingly, pay-related benefit is not payable in her case.
The weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to her was recently increased to the maximum weekly rate of £34.80 following a review of her contribution record and adjusting arrears due to her were paid on 11 November 1983.
426.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit in respect of the past nine weeks will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Inquiries were necessary to establish that the person concerned fulfilled the condition of being available for work before his entitlement to unemployment benefit during the period of his claim 2 September 1983 to 22 October 1983 could be determined.
The inquiries were recently completed and as he is a postal applicant an order issued to him last week for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears due.
427.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £39.00 weekly derived from the benefit of the earnings of a member of his household. His unemployment assistance claim was disallowed as the means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him.
He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
428.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 as he first claimed in 1981; and if he will give a list of the weekly payments made to him from 25 August to 7 December 1981.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit on 15 September 1981 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 25 August 1981.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was awarded disability benefit from 29 August 1981, the fourth day of incapacity. He was also paid pay-related benefit from 9 September 1981, the 13th day of incapacity.
Following the completion of investigations, injury benefit was awarded from the date of the accident and on 16 October a cheque for £73.83 was issued in payment of injury benefit to 6 October over and above the disability benefit already paid.
Payments were made weekly to 5 December 1981 after which date he was certified fit to resume work. The total amount of injury benefit paid was £501.66.
Disablement benefit has also been awarded at the rate appropriate to a provisional assessment of 10 per cent and payments totalling £464.80 have issued in respect of the period to 6 December 1983 when the assessment will be reviewed.
A list of the payments made and copies of the completed application forms have been issued separately to the Deputy.
429.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason £16 per month was deducted from her non-contributory old age pension without any explanation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12.
A review of the entitlement of the person concerned revealed that there had been an increase in her means, consisting of capital and her husband's occupational pension. A question for reduction of her old age pension from £36.60 to £32.60 has, therefore, been referred to the local pension committee for decision and pension at the reduced rate of £32.60 was put into payment pending the outcome of the pension committee's decision.
The pensioner was notified by letter of 21 September 1983 that the reason her pension book was being recalled was for reduction in pension due to re-assessment of her means.
430.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if contributions paid by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon are adequate to entitle him to disability benefit.
Claims to disability benefit in respect of illness commencing during the current benefit year, 3 January 1983 to 31 December 1983, are governed by contributions paid or credited in the 1981-82 contribution year, 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. A minimum of 26 contributions are required in the governing contribution year in order to be eligible for the receipt of disability benefit. According to the records of the Department the person concerned had 52 reckonable credited contributions in 1981-82. He would, therefore, if ill, be entitled to receive disability benefit at present.
A new benefit year commences in January next and claims from that date will depend on the record of contributions in the 1982-83 contribution year. The person concerned has a record of three credited contributions only in that year. However, the recording of contributions for 1982-83 has not yet been completed and the contributions of individual insured persons are still being entered in the records of the Department in respect of that year.
431.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick concerning a reduction in his unemployment assistance.
The person concerned appealed against the assessment of his means at £4.00 weekly derived from the value of capital. An appeals officer upheld the assessment at £4.00 weekly and a notification of the decision was issued to the person concerned on 6 September 1983.
He continues to be paid unemployment assistance at £42.35 being the maximum rate payable to him £48.35 less means £4.00 in addition to a £2.00 deduction in respect of an overpayment of disability benefit which is being recovered by weekly deductions from his unemployment assistance.
432.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The entitlement of the person concerned could not be determined until inquiries to establish his contribution record had been completed. These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was allowed at the maximum rate of £34.80 weekly.
All arrears due to him were paid last week and further weekly payments will be made to him as they become due.
433.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of pension arrears to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
A payable order for the arrears in question, less supplementary welfare allowance paid by the Mid-Western Health Board, will be sent to the person concerned within the next few days.
434.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people signing for (a) unemployment assistance and (b) unemployment benefit in Gardiner Street Exchange, Dublin.
The number of persons signing on at the Employment Exchange, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin on 28 October 1983 for (a) unemployment assistance was 5,896 which included 747 postal applicants; (b) unemployment benefit was 6,465 which included 1,064 postal claimants.
435.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying occupational injury benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 13 October 1983 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an occupational accident on 10 October 1983.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was awarded disability benefit on an interim basis from 14 October, the fourth day of incapacity. Payment was made to 17 October, the date of the latest medical evidence received.
Following completion of investigations injury benefit was awarded from 14 October 1983, the fourth day of incapacity to 22 October, after which he resumed work. Cheques for £86.27 have been issued in payment of injury benefit over and above the disability benefit already paid.
436.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned exhausted his title to unemployment benefit when he completed 390 days of benefit on 28 July 1983. He was advised to claim unemployment assistance but did not do so until 12 September 1983 when he completed an application form. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The social welfare officer experienced difficulty in contacting him and the inquiries were not completed until recently. He was assessed with nil means and is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £28.00 weekly increasing to £29.40 from 5 October 1983 to 18 October 1983 after which he ceased to sign as unemployed.
Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears of unemployment assistance due as soon as it is established whether recoupment of supplementary welfare allowance is due to the local health board.
437.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit, as he has less than 26 weeks of insurable employment since the date of his entry into employment.
He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance £17.90 weekly, being the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 less means £11.50, derived from land.
438.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was awarded deserted wife's allowance with effect from 11 August 1983 at the rate of £58.55 per week which is the maximum rate payable to a woman with two qualified children.
An allowance order book payable from 13 October 1983 was sent to the designated post office on 10 October 1983 for collection by the claimant and she was notified accordingly. A payable order in respect of arrears for the period from 11 August to 12 October 1983, less adjustments for supplementary welfare allowance and disability benefit paid to her during that time, will be issued direct to her within the next few days.
439.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
One of the qualifying conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a husband must have left his wife of his own volition. The deciding officer held that this condition was not satisfied in this case and the claim of the person concerned was disallowed.
She has appealed against the decision and her case is being submitted to an appeals officer for determination. Claimant will be notified of the outcome as soon as the appeals officer gives his decision in the matter.
440.
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 date.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him. On its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
441.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of the correct rate of unemployment assistance which should be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the maximum rate payable to a widower residing in a non-urban area, with one qualified child (nil means assessed against him) at £32.35 weekly increased to £35.60 from 29 June 1983, and increased again to £37.35 from 5 October 1983. His daughter attained the age of 18 years on 24 October 1983, and an increase for a qualified child ceased to be payable from that date.
He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at the maximum rate payable to him, £29.40 weekly.
442.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance payments will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £19.20 weekly derived from self-employment in repair work and house decoration. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer upheld the decision in his case on 30 May 1983. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £6.15 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £30.35 less £19.20 with a deduction of £5.00 against an overpayment which is being recovered by weekly deductions.
He recently applied for a review of his means. His case is being referred to a social welfare officer for a reinvestigation after which the assessment of his means will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
443.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The entitlement of an applicant for pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the total weekly amount of flat-rate unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings.
The 85 per cent limit applicable to the person concerned is £65.14 weekly. The weekly flat-rate of unemployment benefit being paid to him at present is £64.35. Accordingly his entitlement to pay-related benefit is limited to £0.79 weekly which is included in the combined weekly payment of £65.14 made to him each week.
444.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit from 15 October 1982 to 13 October 1983. Payment ceased after that date as she had less than the required 156 paid contributions to her credit since she commenced employment to entitle her to payment in excess of 52 weeks. According to the records of the Department she has only 130 paid contributions. She was notified of the position on 14 October 1983.
In order to requalify for payment of disability benefit she would require a further 13 weeks employment for which contributions at the appropriate rate have been paid subsequent to 13 October 1983.
445.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has been decided by the local Pension Committee that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as her means, consisting of the weekly value of income from the letting of land exceed the statutory limit.
An appeal against the committee's decision has been referred to an appeals officer, who has requested further information before giving his decision. When the appeals officer has given his decision the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
446.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the non-payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 16 July 1983 to 13 August 1983. Payment was issued from 20 July 1983, fourth day of incapacity to 29 July 1983 when due to an administrative error, payment was inadvertently discontinued.
This error has now been rectified and arrears of benefit for the period from 30 July 1983 to 13 August 1983 after which date she was certified fit to resume work, was issued on 9 November 1983.
447.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit due from 27 September 1983, fourth day of incapacity, to 4 November 1983, date of latest medical certificate received.
There was a delay, due to an administrative error, in issuing payment of benefit from 15 October 1983. This has now been rectified and all benefit due was issued on 9 November 1983.
448.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be informed that she is going to receive an invalidity pension as she has been in receipt of disability benefit since an accident in December 1982.
The person concerned is being paid disability benefit at regular weekly intervals and payment has been made to date.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to her. On its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
449.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed in respect of specific periods from 2 February 1983 onwards on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work. He appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of his case on 13 October 1983. An appeals officer upheld the disallowance.
He continued to sign as unemployed and inquiries are being made at present to ascertain if he fulfils the conditions of being available for work from 14 October 1983. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined when these inquiries are completed.
450.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's contributory pension at the rate of £38.40 per week is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as a rate per week of £40.60 should be paid.
The contribution conditions for widow's contributory pension may be satisfied on either the late husband's or the widow's own insurance record. In order to qualify for payment at the maximum rate there must be a yearly average of at least 39 contributions in either the three or five contribution years before the husband's death, or alternatively an average of at least 48 contributions since entry into insurance. Lower rates of pension are payable where there are averages of from 24 to 47 contributions since entry into insurance.
According to the records of the Department both the husband and the wife in this case had insurance records but neither of them had an average of 39 or more contributions in the last 3 or 5 contribution years before his death. The wife has an average of 20 contributions from her entry into insurance until the end of the 1982-83 contribution year. The late husband had an average of 28 contributions up to the end of that year. All his contributions were recorded before he ceased insurable employment in 1971.
The rate of £38.40 a week in payment is the rate appropriate to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children, based on the late husband's average of 28 contributions.
451.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay an old age pension and arrears to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned applied for an old age pension on 11 July 1983. The social welfare officer, however, has been unable to complete his investigations in the case as he is awaiting details of the transfer of certain property to her son. When the deed of transfer is made available the investigations will be completed and the claim will be referred to the local Pension Committee for decision. If a pension is recommended by the social welfare officer, it will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the Pension Committee's decision.
452.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit will be continued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 8 October 1982 and was paid a total of 52 weeks benefit to 10 October 1983, based on his insurance record in the 1980-81 contribution year.
From 11 October 1983 his entitlement to benefit depended on his 1981-82 insurance record and payment was interrupted while inquiries were being made to establish his entitlement from that date.
When it was ascertained that he was qualified for continued payment based on his 1981-82 insurance record, the outstanding benefit payable, less the amount advanced by way of supplementary welfare allowance, was issued on 14 November 1983. Further payments of benefit will be issued as medical evidence is received.
453.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the reduction in social welfare benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Longford; if he is aware of the severe hardship which will ensue for his family as a result of this action; and when the appeal will be heard.
The unemployment assistance claim was referred to a social welfare officer for a reinvestigation of his means and following the completion of inquiries his means were increased to £43.25 derived from the factual value of his land.
He recently appealed against the assessment of his means and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His appeal will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
In the meantime weekly payment of unemployment assistance is continuing at £37.05 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £80.30 less £43.25 means.
454.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and the weekly payment rate.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 12 October 1983.
He is being paid £65.60 per week, the maximum rate payable to a married man with one dependent child, from 15 October 1983, fourth day of incapacity. All disability benefit due to 2 November 1983, date of latest medical certificate received has been issued. He is also entitled to payment of pay-related benefit of £21.00 per week from 2 November 1983, 19th day of incapacity.
455.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as he has been signing since 24 September 1983 and urgently requires payment.
The person concerned is unemployed and claimed unemployment benefit on 21 September 1983. However, his entitlement to unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries to establish if he fulfilled the condition of being available for work had been completed. Following the completion of investigations his claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £33.55.
Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due to him this week and further payments will be made as weekly payments become due.
456.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying occupational injury benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 31 August 1983 and payment was issued from 3 September 1983, the fourth day of incapacity, to 10 November 1983 the date of the latest medical certificate received. Pay-related benefit has also been paid from 21 September 1983, 19th day of incapacity. She indicated on the medical certificates that her incapacity was not due to an injury at work.
457.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in issuing two duplicate children's allowance books to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as she requested on two occasions; and if he will issue the duplicates this week.
The person concerned applied on 21 September 1983 for duplicate children's allowance books having reported the original books destroyed in error. Due to a filing error however, her letter was mislaid. A further letter was received from the person concerned on 25 October 1983 and a replacement book has recently issued.
458.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 29 December 1981 and payment has been made to date.
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.
459.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the maximum rate of an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned is in receipt of pension at the rate of £39.20 a week which includes allowance for an adult and one child dependent. This is the rate appropriate to the current assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding and capital. The case has recently been referred to the social welfare officer for reinvestigation and following the investigation will if necessary be referred to the local pension committee for decision. If the officer recommends an increase in the pension it will be put into effect pending the committee's decision.
460.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following a factual assessment of his means the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the ground that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of his means assessed against him but an appeals officer upheld the decision in his case.
He recently applied for a review of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. His means will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the inquiries and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
461.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following a factual assessment of his means the person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit derived from the value of land and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed.
If he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him it is open to him to appeal and to have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
462.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was formerly in receipt of unemployment assistance with means assessed on the basis of the value of board and lodgings on his parents' holding.
He became the owner of the holding and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for a reinvestigation of his means. Following a factual assessment of his case he was assessed with means at £48.00 weekly derived from land with effect from 26 October 1983. His means accordingly exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed.
It is, however, open to him to appeal against the amount of means assessed against him and to have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
463.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a pension at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned has been in receipt of pension at a reduced rate since 28 January 1982. Following the transfer of certain property the means of the claimant are being reinvestigated. The investigations are almost complete and the case will shortly be referred to the local pension committee for decision. If an increase in pension is recommended by the social welfare officer it will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the committee's decision.
464.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit at the full rate and pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The entitlement of the person concerned to flat-rate unemployment benefit could not be determined until inquiries about his contribution record were completed. These investigations were recently completed and payment of unemployment benefit at the weekly rate of £82.50 was allowed. All arrears due, less supplementary welfare allowance due for recoupment to the local health board were paid last week. Further payments will be made as they become due.
He is not qualified for pay-related benefit as the amount of flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to him exceeds 85 per cent of his average net weekly earnings which in his case amounted to £79.30.
465.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not being paid unemployment assistance even though he has a wife and three children.
Following a factual assessment of his case the means of the person concerned were assessed at £69.20 weekly derived from land with effect from 24 August, 1983. The rate of unemployment assistance was, accordingly, £0.95 weekly from 24 August, 1983 increased to £4.40 weekly from 5 October, 1983. He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His means will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
466.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has been signing for unemployment benefit at Trim employment exchange.
The entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit of the person concerned cannot be determined until he furnishes details of his recent earnings. He has been asked on a number of occasions to submit a form P.45 or a statement from his employer but has not done so to date. His employer was recently contacted and asked for a statement and when it is received his entitlement to pay-related benefit will be considered. In the meantime weekly payments of flat-rate unemployment benefit at £54.80 continue to be made as they become due.
467.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in issuing a new children's allowance book to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Payment of children's allowance to the person concerned ceased in July 1983 when the child in question reached 16 years of age. An application for a continuation of the allowance on the grounds that the child is continuing in full-time education was received in October 1983 and entitlement has been verified. Accordingly children's allowance at the rate of £11.25 per month has been awarded in respect of the child from August 1983. An allowance book payable from September 1983 has been issued direct to the claimant's home address and a payable order in respect of arrears due for August 1983 is in the course of issue.
468.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as he claims he has been lodging certificates for two years.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit and submitted one certificate only indicating that on 27 July 1982 he was incapable of work. Continuing medical evidence is necessary to establish the duration of incapacity before any payment can be made. He was requested on several occasions to submit further medical evidence of incapacity for work but failed to do so. He again claimed disability benefit from 12 August 1983 to 9 September 1983 but he is not qualified for payment of benefit at the moment as he has not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the contribution year governing his claim. However, arrangements have been made for an inspector of the Department to call on the claimant within the next few days to establish the nature and duration of incapacity and the dates and frequency of medical examinations since 27 July 1982. When the inspector's report is received his claim for benefit will be received.
469.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny since 27 September 1983; and if he will arrange to have payments made on a weekly basis in the future.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit on 12 September 1983 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work on 16 August 1983.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident he was considered for disability benefit. He had less than 26 contributions in the governing contribution year ended 3 April 1982 and he did not, therefore, satisfy the contribution conditions for disability benefit.
Following the completion of investigations, injury benefit was awarded on 10 October 1983 from the date of the accident. On 13 October a cheque for £295.39 was issued in payment of injury benefit to 27 September in respect of medical certificates received.
Following verification from the South Eastern Health Board and from his employers of his continuing incapacity he has been paid injury benefit to date less a sum of £25 which was refunded to the Board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance advanced.
470.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit at the correct rate is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as he is submitting monthly certificates.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit from 13 October 1981. He is being paid at £88.90 per week, appropriate rate payable to a married man with four qualified dependants who has 47 credited contributions in 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim since 1 January 1983.
Following a review of his claim on 3 October 1983 it was established that he had been paid an incorrect rate of £87.60 per week. The matter was rectified and an adjustment cheque paying arrears of disability benefit due from 1 January 1983 was issued on 3 October 1983.
471.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow as he applied six months ago.
The person concerned is in receipt of disablement benefit under the occupational injuries scheme since 17 June 1983 in respect of disablement assessed at 90 per cent provisionally for the period from 17 June 1983 to 26 January 1984. He received injury benefit in respect of incapacity resulting from the occupational accident for the maximum period of 26 weeks to 15 June 1983 from which date he is receiving disability benefit. The present rate of disability benefit is £97.80 a week.
The combined rates of disability and disablement benefit payable are limited to a maximum amount representing the weekly earnings in the relevant employment.
When disablement benefit was allowed, the earnings were taken as £113.20 a week. Disability benefit was then being paid at the rate of £97.80 a week with the result that disablement benefit was payable at £15.40, the difference between the two figures.
Following the receipt of notification of increased earnings of £118.96 a week or an increase of £5.66, he was entitled to a corresponding increase of disablement benefit. Arrears of increase of disablement pension amounting to £103.46 were paid on 10 November 1983 and he is now being paid benefit at the increased rate of £21.06 a week. Payments of disability benefit have been made regularly to the date of the latest medical certificate received.
472.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow as she has been signing for 12 weeks.
The person concerned is engaged on systematic short-time work and claiming unemployment benefit in respect of days on which she is unemployed. Inquiries had to be made to establish the insurability of her employment before her entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined and these inquiries were only recently completed. Her claim has been allowed at the weekly rate of £30.60 and all arrears due will be paid this week. Further payments in respect of days of unemployment in each week will be made as they become due.
473.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned submitted a first medical certificate on 3 June 1983 claiming occupational injury benefit from 27 May 1983 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an accident at work.
He failed to indicate his correct RSI number. Following receipt of his correct number in reply to a query, disability benefit was awarded from 2 June at the rate of £31.65 a week. Disability benefit was paid in respect of the period to 18 June after which he was certified fit to resume work.
Following confirmation by the employers of details of the occupational accident, injury benefit was awarded at the rate of £43.55 a week from 27 May 1983, the first day of incapacity.
Payment of injury benefit has now been made over and above the disability benefit already paid in respect of the period of absence from work.
474.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the decrease in the rates in social welfare benefits being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Longford since last March; and if he is aware that he is in straitened economic circumstances.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £20.00 weekly derived from self-employment selling fuel. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him was, accordingly, reduced from £63.75 to £43.75 with effect from 16 March 1983. This rate was subsequently increased to £50.15 from 29 June 1983 and £53.60 from 5 October 1983. He appealed against the assessment of his means but an appeals officer upheld the decision in his case on 10 May 1983.
On 4 August 1983 he applied for a review of his means and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for a further investigation. Following the completion of these inquiries his means were again assessed at £20.00 weekly derived from selling fuel. He has appealed against the latest assessment of his means 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.
475.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will not qualify for a single woman's allowance even though she has been visited by social welfare officers on three occasions, one of whom personally inspected the house.
There is no record at the Department of an application for single woman's allowance from the person concerned. She would not, however, qualify for single woman's allowance as she has not attained the minimum age level of 58 years. She did, however, claim unemployment assistance on 7 March 1983 but she subsequently withdrew her claim on 24 March 1983 when a social welfare officer called to her residence to interview her about her means. At the time of her application her mother was in receipt of a prescribed relative's allowance in respect of her.
476.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is not in receipt of unemployment assistance.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned last claimed unemployment assistance from 26 October 1983. Payment of unemployment assistance was authorised at £23.60 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £28.00 less means £4.40, and all arrears due were paid to him last week. Further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
477.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is not in receipt of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment benefit from the commencement of his claim on 28 June 1983 to 5 November 1983 when he ceased to sign as unemployed. The weekly rates payable were £52.15, £57.35 from 30 June 1983 and £43.05 from 15 September 1983.
It is presumed that the Deputy's parliamentary question was intended to refer to the applicants entitlement to pay-related benefit with his flat-rate unemployment benefit. He was not entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to him exceeded the 85 per cent limit of his average net weekly earnings which in his case amount to £40.70.
478.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will reconsider having payment made because of his extreme financial circumstances.
Following an investigation of his case the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned has been disallowed during specific periods from April 1981 to August 1983 during which periods he concurrently worked and signed as unemployed.
Payment of unemployment assistance was suspended from 7 September 1983 and his entitlement to unemployment assistance from that date is at present being investigated by a social welfare officer. When the inquiries are completed the question of resumption of payment of unemployment assistance will be considered.
479.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned is not entitled to unemployment benefit as she does not satisfy the contribution conditions during the relevant contributions period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982. She claimed unemployment assistance and following an investigation of her case she was assessed with nil means. She changed her address and during the transfer of her case between two local offices the claim papers were temporarily mislaid which resulted in a delay in paying unemployment assistance. The matter was recently rectified and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due less supplementary welfare allowance which she received pending a decision on her unemployment assistance claim, this week. Further payments at the maximum rate of £28.00 will be made as weekly payments become due.
480.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the early payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his income he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer upheld the decision in his case on 24 October 1983. He was notified of the decision of the Appeals officer on 27 October 1983. If the person concerned is prepared to cooperate in an investigation of his means he should notify the Department and his claim will be reviewed.
481.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the paying of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from his land, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
482.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on unemployment assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. The decision of the appeals officer will be made as early as possible.
483.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance following the exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 30 August 1983. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means but he did not make himself available for interview when the social welfare officer called to his residence. He has been advised that he must co-operate with the social welfare officer to enable his means to be assessed and he has now given an undertaking to his local office that he will do so. Arrangements have, accordingly, been made for a further investigation by the social welfare officer after which his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
484.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance since August 1981 when his case was recently referred to a social welfare officer for a re-investigation of his means. He refused to co-operate with the social welfare officer and his unemployment assistance claim was subsequently disallowed on the grounds that by refusing to give details of his income he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and his case was referred again to a social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity to reveal details of his income. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination. In the meantime he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending a decision on his unemployment assistance claim.
485.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
All arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to the person concerned were issued on 11 November 1983. The delay in payment of these arrears was due to an administrative error.
486.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an increase in unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The case of the person concerned has been referred to a Social Welfare Officer for a re-investigation of his means. When the inquiries are completed the assessment of his means will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be determined accordingly.
In the meantime, weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £8.20 weekly being the maximum rate payable to him £28.00 less £19.80 means continue to be made to him as they become due.
487.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following the completion of inquiries the person concerned was assessed with nil means with effect from 17 October 1983. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate payable to him £29.40 weekly.
Arrangements have been made to pay arrears due this week less supplementary welfare allowance which he received pending a decision on his unemployment assistance claim. Further weekly payments will follow as they become due.
488.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned has been paid all disability benefit due from 17 August 1983, first day of incapacity, to 8 November 1983, date of latest medical certificate received.
The delay in issuing benefit from 23 October 1983 was due to the late receipt of medical certificates from the claimant.
489.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will direct his Department to restore assistance to the former figure immediately as the person is in severe difficulty and has no other source of income.
Following a review of his application for unemployment assistance the weekly means of £2.00 assessed against the person concerned since 1976 were increased to £25.65 derived from the value of board and lodging in his mother's home with effect from 24 April 1983. As a result he lost his entitlement to unemployment assistance until the maximum weekly rate payable in his case was increased from £25.45 to £28.00 from 29 June 1983. He then became entitled to a weekly rate of £2.35, £28.00 less means £25.65, increased to £3.75, £29.40 less means £25.65, from 5 October 1983. He has applied for a review of the means assessed against him and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for a report on his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
490.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been paid full unemployment assistance; and if he is satisfied that he has been fairly treated.
The application of the person concerned on 10 April 1983 for unemployment assistance was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to furnish particulars of his means. He appealed against the disallowance and following protracted inquiries an appeals officer, whose decision is final, recently determined his weekly means at £14.00 derived from the value of board and lodgings in his relatives' home. Unemployment assistance was, accordingly, authorised at the weekly rate of £11.45 from 10 April 1983 being the appropriate maximum weekly rate in his case of £25.45 less means £14.00, increased to £14.00, £28.00 less £14.00, from 29 June 1983 and to £15.40, £29.40 less £14.00, from 5 October 1983.
All arrears due will be paid to him this week and weekly payments of £15.40 will continue to be made as they become due.
491.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having unemployment assistance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as he has been signing for the past 20 weeks.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 15 July 1983. On the completion recently of inquiries into his means, he was assessed with nil means.
Unemployment assistance has been authorised at the weekly rate of £48.35 being the appropriate maximum rate in his case.
All arrears due will be paid to him this week and weekly payments of £48.35 will continue to be made as they become due.
492.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit at the correct rate was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, the rate he is receiving; and the rate at which he should be paid.
The entitlement of the person concerned to pay-related benefit with flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that his total weekly flat-rate unemployment benefit, pay-related benefit and income-tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of his net average weekly earnings. The 85 per cent limit applicable to his claim was calculated at £92.34.
In the course of a recent review it was discovered that the 85 per cent limit had been incorrectly calculated at his local office and that the appropriate amount was £95.76. He is due an adjustment of pay-related benefit amounting to £159.05 and arrangements have been made to pay the arrears due this week.
His combined weekly payment was £95.76 representing flat-rate unemployment benefit at £74.85 and pay-related benefit £20.91. Payment continued up to 12 November 1983 after which he exhausted his title to unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit ceased to be payable. He is, however, qualified for unemployment assistance from 13 November 1983 at the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable £68.40 weekly.
493.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of disability/injury benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in respect of the period 8 July 1979 to 30 April 1980.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 20 July 1979 to 26 March 1980, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. He was paid a total of £532.67 disability benefit in respect of this period.
494.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 19 August 1983, fourth day of incapacity. Payment issues on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity in the Department and on this basis payment to 8 November 1983, date of the latest medical certificate received has been issued. A letter giving details of all cheques issued has been sent to the person concerned.
495.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied. Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
496.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following a factual assessment of his means the person concerned was assessed with means at £5.75 weekly derived from land with effect from 7 September 1983. However, due to a clerical error the amount of his means was incorrectly treated in excess of the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable and payment was erroneously terminated from 5 October 1983.
The matter has now been rectified and payment of unemployment assistance at £22.25 weekly from 7 September 1983 increasing to £23.65 from 5 October 1983 has been allowed. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears of unemployment assistance due this week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
497.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for an investigation of his means. The social welfare officer made numerous calls to the address furnished by the applicant but he was not available for interview. He has been advised that the investigation of his means cannot be completed in the absence of an interview and that he should make himself available for interview by the social welfare officer. When he does so his means will be assessed in the light of the social welfare officer's report and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
498.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The entitlement of an applicant to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that she is capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work.
The person concerned is a postal applicant for unemployment benefit and following receipt of her claim she was written to on several occasions about her availability for work but she has not replied to the inquiries to-date. When she furnishes the required information her claim will receive immediate consideration.
499.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance from 16 June 1983 to 12 July 1983 after which he ceased to sign as unemployed. However, his entitlement to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries about his means were completed. Following the completion of investigations he was assessed with means at £9.60 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his parents holding. He was entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.85 weekly increased to £18.40 weekly from 29 June 1983 and all arrears due were paid to him on 27 October 1983.
500.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now reconsider the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for an old age pension at the maximum rate having regard to the fact that the applicant's solicitor supplied all the necessary information to his Department; and if he will arrange to pay all arrears.
A reinvestigation of the means of the person concerned revealed that the intestacy shares of a holding which had been taken into account in assessing his means for old age pension purposes had been transferred to his son. The reinvestigation also revealed, however, that the person concerned had capital which had not been previously disclosed. It was necessary arising from this, to review his entitlement from 12 June 1981.
It was decided by the local pension committee on 5 November 1983 that the person concerned is entitled to a pension at the increased rate of £32.45 from 30 July 1982, rising to £36.60 from 1 July 1983. These are the rates appropriate to the current assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital.
A supplementary pension book for the increase in his current rate of pension will be issued to the pensioner shortly. A payable order to cover the arrears due less the amount of the overpayment of pension which arose due to the non-disclosure of means at the earlier investigation will be issued separately.