asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age non-contributory pension at the maximum rate is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford and when payment will be made.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
311.
Following a review of the old age non-contributory pension entitlements of the person concerned it was found that there had been an increase in his means since the date of last assessment. Accordingly, it was decided on 5 September 1984, that he is only entitled to a pension at the weekly rate of £34.60 from 15 June 1984, which increased to £37.30 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital.
312.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the granting of unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £28.85 weekly derived from the profit from land. He is at present in receipt of weekly unemployment assistance at £2.90 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £28.85. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also decided that his means were £28.85 weekly, and he was notified accordingly on 12 June 1984.
313.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment in the building industry exceeded the statutory limit. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arrangements are being made to have his case referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
314.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of married men in each social welfare category whose wives are social welfare recipients, specifying the social welfare category of the wife.
315.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of married men in each social welfare category whose wives are in paid employment.
It is proposed to reply to Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together. Statistics of the sort requested by the Deputy are not maintained at present for any social welfare scheme.
316.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if social assistance payments will be adjusted to take account of a second child for an unmarried mother (details supplied) in County Wexford.
On 26 June 1984 the person concerned was awarded an increase in her social assistance allowance in respect of her second child, with effect from 2 February 1984, the Thursday following the child's birth. An allowance book at the increased rate, with orders from 5 July 1984 and which also included the budget increases payable from that date, was sent to the designated post office for collection by her. A payable order for the arrears for the period from 2 February 1984 to 4 July 1984 was sent to her on 9 August 1984. It has been confirmed from the post office in question that she is currently receiving payment there at the maximum rate of £62.65 per week for herself and two children. The payable order for the arrears was cashed on 21 August 1984.