asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
691.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance from 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.
692.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of disability benefit a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to receive as he is a married man with two children.
The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit from 22 October 1984, fourth day of incapacity, at £80.15 per week, maximum rate payable to a married man with two dependent children. Payment was initially made at the single rate pending the return of a claim form from the person concerned. On receipt of the claim form, payment of the increase in benefit in respect of his dependents was issued on 6 November 1984. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of disability benefit payable exceeds 75 per cent of his average reckonable weekly earnings in the 1982-83 tax year which governs his entitlement to pay-related benefit.
693.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is allowed only £15 per week unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £17.80 weekly derived from the value of capital. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £15 weekly being the appropriate rate £32.80 less means of £17.80. 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.
694.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the entitlements due to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who is appealing his request for disability benefit and meanwhile has been refused either unemployment assistance or supplementary welfare and consequently has no income whatever as the person was told to seek employment in order to qualify for unemployment assistance but cannot do so, as he maintains he is unfit to work.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 15 October 1984 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 15 November 1984. His entitlement to further payment will be reviewed in the light of the medical referees report following this examination.
His claim for unemployment benefit from 16 October 1984 was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for employment. He is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Eastern Health Board from 15 October 1984.
695.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the entitlement now due to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 who was on separate payments of unemployment benefit with her husband, as her husband is now transferred to disability benefit, and she is not receiving any payments.
The husband of the person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit from 13 September 1984, fourth day of incapacity, at a reduced personal rate payable to a person who has between 41 and 47 contributions in the 1982-83 year which governs his claim.
Payment of arrears of the adult dependant's portion of disability benefit payable from 13 September 1984 to 1 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has now been issued to the wife of the claimant and payments will continue to be made on receipt of further medical certificates.
696.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an application was made for an orphans' allowance and children's allowance in respect of two children (details supplied) in County Monaghan; when a decision will be made; and the reason for the delay.
There is no record of receipt of a claim to orphan's payment or children's allowance from the person concerned. A social welfare officer has been asked to visit the family and have application forms completed. When the forms are returned the case will be examined without delay and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.
697.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan received no unemployment benefit or assistance from January 1984; when a decision will be made on his appeal; and the reason for the delay.
The person concerned is a postal applicant for unemployment benefit. His unemployment benefit claim was disallowed for two days each week during the period 13 June 1983 to 24 January 1984 on the grounds that he was concurrently working and signing on these days.
His entitlement to unemployment benefit from 25 January 1984 cannot be determined until inquiries to establish that he fulfils the condition of being unemployed under the provision of the Social Welfare Acts have been completed. Several calls have been made to his residence by a social welfare officer but to-date he has not made himself available for interview. Arrangements are being made to write to him again and request that he make himself available for interview. His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome of inquiries.
698.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive social assistance.
A formal decision on the claim of the person concerned cannot be given until she forwards a copy of her own birth certificate. She has been requested to do so and when it is received the allowance wil be awarded to her from the date of the birth of her child.
699.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be forwarded an application form for an invalidity pension.
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 and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
700.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan who has no income is not receiving unemployment assistance or supplementary allowance from 15 June 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to disclose full details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and at the request of the appeals officer further inquiries were made in the matter. All the investigations were recently completed following which the appeals officer assessed means at £18.75 weekly. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £11.20 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £18.75 and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week. Further payments at £11.20 weekly will continue to be made as they become due.
701.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan for an old age pension will be conveyed to him.
The appeal lodged by the person concerned has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. When his decision is made, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
702.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
The person concerned has now been awarded an unmarried mother's allowance with effect from 30 August 1984 and an allowance book with orders payable from 15 November 1984 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her. She has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 30 August to 14 November 1984 will be paid to the claimant shortly after adjustment has been made in respect of maternity and disability benefit paid to her during that time.
703.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The entitlement of the person concerned cannot be determined until investigations by the social welfare officer to enable her means to be assessed are completed. The social welfare officer has made a number of void calls to her home address and difficulties also arose because she had changed her address a number of times. The social welfare officer has now ascertained her most recent address and he has made arrangements to interview her and complete inquiries next week. Her means will be assessed in the light of the outcome of the investigation and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
704.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £37.60 weekly being the appropriate rate £62.95 less means £25.35 derived from the benefit enjoyed by him while residing on his father's holding. The means in his case were determined by an appeals officer. If he considers that a change has occurred in his circumstances it is open to him to apply for a review of the assessment of his means. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
705.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension has not yet been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who applied for this pension in June and has not received any communication since; when will this be paid; and the amount which will be paid.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £38.85 with effect from 22 June 1984, the Friday following the death of her husband. This is the personal rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age where the yearly average of insurance contributions — based on her own insurance record — is between 30 and 35. The rate was increased to £41.55 per week from 6 July 1984. For pension at the maximum rate, in her case it would be £43.45, an average of not less than 48 contributions is required.
Pension books with orders payable from 7 September 1984 were issued to the designated post office on 8 November 1984 for collection by the claimant and she has been notified accordingly. The arrears of pension for the period from 22 June 1984 to 6 September 1984 will be sent direct to her by payable order shortly. It was necessary in this case to make lengthy inquiries into the widow's own early insurance record in order to establish her entitlement to pension.
706.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason there is such a long delay in having a free electricity allowance granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An application for a free electricity allowance which was received from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the September-October 1984 billing period onwards. The delay in processing this application was due to an administrative error.
707.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 27 September 1984 to 3 November 1984 after which date he was certified fit to resume work. All disability benefit and pay-related benefit payable, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the South-Eastern Health Board, has been issued to him.
708.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded a prescribed relative's allowance.
The person concerned is in receipt of retirement pension since 3 December 1970. Details of his claim for a prescribed relative allowance have been sent to the local social welfare officer for investigation. A decision will be made when the officer's report is received.
709.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance payments were reduced again in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if they will be reviewed with a view to increasing them.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was reviewed and following a reinvestigation of his means by a social welfare officer he was assessed with means at £30.75 weekly derived from the profit from his holding with effect from 3 October 1984. He was advised of the amount of means reassessed against him. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £41.50 weekly being the appropriate rate of £72.25 less means £30.75.
710.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment payments for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reviewed in view of the fact that his parents are on a very low income.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £11.35 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging, accordingly he is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £20.40 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £11.35.
He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case will be referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his claim will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means, and his rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
711.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment benefit will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is a landowner and an applicant for unemployment benefit and inquiries had to be made to establish whether the profit from his holding exceeded £2 daily as he did not satisfy the contribution condition of 78 paid contributions in a three year period.
These inquiries were recently completed and his unemployment benefit claim was allowed at the rate of £35.90 weekly. Arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due this week in respect of the period 7 May 1984 to 7 July 1984 and from 3 September 1984 when he resumed his claim for unemployment benefit. Further payments will be made as weekly payments become due.
712.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment assistance will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries which were being made by a social welfare officer about his means had been completed. These inquiries were recently completed and the case papers are at present in postal transit to a deciding officer at headquarters for assessment of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against him. In the meantime he is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment assistance application.
713.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if disability benefit payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford as the medical referee has determined that he is unfit for work.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 9 September 1983 to 6 September 1984. Payment ceased at that date as according to the records of the Department he had less than 156 contributions paid since his entry into insurance and he was, therefore, only entitled to benefit for 52 weeks. The claimant had indicated that he was previously employed in Britain and inquiries were made to the British authorities to ascertain his British record.
This record has now been received and the claimant is qualified for further payment. Accordingly, arrears of disability benefit payable from 7 September 1984 to 2 November 1984, date of latest medical certificate received, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced, have been issued.
714.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the balance of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
It has not been possible to trace a benefit claim for the person concerned. If the RSI number can be quoted this would enable the claim to be identified and the information sought by the Deputy to be supplied.
715.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is entitled to unemployment benefit or assistance as he merely spent some time voluntarily building an extension with his uncle and is clearly available for work.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the claimant is available for work, and to fulfil this condition the claimant must be fully available for work and genuinely seeking work. The claim of the person concerned was disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that he was not fully available for work from 11 October 1984.
He has recently appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
716.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she will have reached the required age on 21 November 1984.
There is no record of receipt of a claim for a contributory old age pension from the person concerned. In order to qualify for a contributory old age pension she would need to have a yearly average of at least 20 contributions from 1953, or from her year of entry into insurance if this occurred after 1953 but before she reached age 58, to 5 April 1984 and have been insurably employed for at least 156 weeks. If she feels that she can satisfy these conditions she should submit a completed claim form to the Department as soon as possible. A claim form can be obtained at any post office. She is at present in receipt of a non-contributory widow's pension, the weekly rate of which will be increased to £41.30 from 23 November 1984.
717.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £26.35 being the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £5.40 derived from the value of board and lodgings in her parents' home. If she considers that there has been a change in her circumstances which would warrant a review of the means assessed against her, it is open to her to apply for a reinvestigation of her case. A form for this purpose may be obtained from her local office.
718.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £38.60 from 27 January 1984 increased to £41.30 from 6 July 1984. The appropriate pension books payable from 6 July 1984 issued to him on 13 July 1984 and a payable order in respect of arrears due for the period 27 January 1984 to 29 June 1984 issued separately in July.
719.
asked the Minister for Social welfare if 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 grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were extensive and were recently completed. His claim is being submitted to an appeals officer for determination of his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
720.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned could not be determined until extensive inquiries had been completed to enable his means to be assessed. These inquiries were recently completed after which he was assessed with means at £10 weekly derived from the benefit enjoyed by him on his brother's holding. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £19.95 weekly being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £10 means and all arrears due were paid to him on 10 October 1984. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at £19.95 continue to be made to him as they become due.
721.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned who is a postal applicant received unemployment assistance from 9 May 1984 to 3 September 1984 after which he ceased to sign as unemployed. If he is at present unemployed he should furnish evidence of unemployment to his local office and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be statutorily determined.
722.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he has been in receipt of disability benefit for the past five years.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 29 January 1980 and payment is made at regular weekly intervals. Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
723.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a children's allowance will be paid to persons (details supplied) in Dublin on behalf of their son, and when a new children's allowance book which is now four months overdue will be made available on behalf of their daughter.
There is no record in the Department of an application for a children's allowance in respect of her son from the person concerned. An application form was issued to her on 8 November 1984. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department, an early decision will be given in the case and any allowance due will be paid without delay.
The allowance book for her daughter payable from July 1984 was returned to the Department by the nominated post office of payment on 31 October 1984, because it had not been collected. The book was re-issued to the claimant's home address on 8 November 1984 and should now be in her possession.
724.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the periods during 1981, 1982 and 1983 for which unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance was paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
According to the records of the Department the person concerned was paid unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance during the periods stated hereunder.
|
Period |
Service |
|
5 January 1981 to 7 October 1981 |
unemployment benefit |
|
8 October 1981 to 10 November 1981 |
unemployment assistance |
|
6 March 1982 to 27 March 1982 |
unemployment benefit |
|
7 April 1982 to 17 November 1982 |
unemployment benefit |
725.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of a living alone allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded a living alone allowance of £3.20 a week with effect from 28 September 1984, the Friday following receipt of her claim. Allowance books with orders payable from that date have been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly.
726.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of invalidity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 24 October 1983 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 21 November 1984. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
727.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath is not receiving a higher rate of old age pension.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension since 7 October 1977. He is being paid the pension at the weekly rate appropriate to his yearly average number of contributions during the required period which, in his case, is from 5 January 1953 to 31 December 1976. He had a total of 566 contributions during this 24 year period which is equal to a yearly average of 23. An average of at least 48 is required to qualify for the pension at the maximum rate. A person's yearly average is calculated on the basis of his contributions from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from his year of entry into insurance, whichever is the later, up to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age.
728.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant a free telephone rental allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
There is no record in the Department of an application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned. An application form was issued to him 8 November 1984. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department, an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
729.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that a disallowance of disability benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reconsidered at the earliest possible date; and when payments will recommence.
The person concerned was disallowed payment of disability benefit from 5 November 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. While he has indicated that he wishes to appeal against the disallowance, he has not submitted any medical evidence of incapacity subsequent to the date of disallowance.
Before he can appeal against this decision he would need to obtain medical evidence of incapacity for work from 5 November 1984. He has been informed of the need to submit medical evidence to this effect and when it is received in the Department his appeal will be dealt with without delay.
730.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
One of the 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 the case of the person concerned and disallowed her claim. She has appealed against the decision and her case has been submitted to an appeals officer for determination. It has been decided to hold an oral hearing and she will be notified of the date and venue of the hearing.
731.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will accept £5 per month in repayment of overdrawn children's allowance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork so as to avoid financial hardship on the family.
An overpayment of £447.75 has occurred on this claim due to the failure of the person concerned to notify the Department of a change affecting her entitlement. She is entitled to payment of £48.20 in respect of four qualified children and recovery of the overpayment is being effected by withholding payment due in respect of one qualified child (i.e. £12.05 a month). She has an allowance book in respect of the balance of £36.15 due to her each month.
The arrangements for recovery of an overpayment of children's allowances by deduction from current entitlement are generally determined by the fact that payments under the scheme are made by books of payable orders which are preprinted at set amounts related to family size. The minimum rate of recovery under these arrangements is by deduction of the allowance in respect of one child and despite the size of the overpayment in this case, this minimum rate of recovery has been adopted to minimise any hardship which might arise.
732.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a free telephone rental allowance available to the parents of an epileptic (details supplied) in County Cork who is 37 years old and is in receipt of disabled person's maintenance allowance.
In order to qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person, in receipt of a qualifying payment, must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency.
An application from the person concerned was received in December 1980. This application was rejected, as from the information furnished, the applicant's wife was not permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. He was notified to this effect on 12 January 1981. If the person concerned feels that he now satisfies the conditions of the scheme, he should reapply for the allowance. A form for this purpose was issued to him on 9 November 1984. On receipt of his application in the Department his entitlement to the allowance will be reconsidered and he will be notified of the outcome.
733.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making a decision on the availability of free gas to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
To qualify for a free bottled gas refills allowance, the applicant must be residing in a house which is not connected to the electricity supply. Before a decision could be given in this case it was necessary to establish if the person concerned had an electricity supply. These inquiries indicate that her house is connected to the electricity supply, and her application had, therefore, to be disallowed. She has been notified accordingly.
734.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has not been paid the unmarried mother's allowance for which she applied some time ago.
The claim of the person concerned for unmarried mother's allowance, which was received on 31 October 1984 is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. On receipt of his report a decision will be given on the case without delay.
735.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason pay-related benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is in receipt of unemployment benefit.
The person concerned has insufficient earnings during the income tax period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 to be entitled to pay-related benefit with flat rate unemployment benefit. She is at present in receipt of flat rate unemployment benefit at £30.90 weekly.
736.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a deserted wife's allowance which is due since 5 April 1984 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
A payable order for arrears of deserted wife's allowance for the period from 5 April 1984 to 26 September 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Midland Health Board during that time, has now been sent to the person concerned.
737.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an invalidity pension has not yet been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary and when this will be granted.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 14 July 1982 and payment is made at regular weekly intervals. Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 19 November 1984. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
738.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded disability benefit payments; when his appeal will be resolved; and if it will be conducted by way of oral hearing.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 24 May 1984, following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 6 September 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. He will be notified of the time and place fixed for the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
739.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded the maximum rate of non-contributory old age pension in view of the fact that he will not be working again and will have no other income other than his pension; and the type of declaration to this effect that is acceptable to his Department.
Representations from the Deputy have been accepted as an application for increase in pension for the person concerned. The matter will be referred to the social welfare officer for investigation and when the investigations have been completed the case will be decided on and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome.
740.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if social assistance payments will be made to an unmarried mother (details supplied) in County Wexford.
One of the conditions for the receipt of an unmarried mother's allowance is that if the child of the claimant is over 18 years (and under 21 years), the child must be receiving full time education. The allowance which was in payment to the person concerned was terminated from 18 October 1984 when her child reached 18 years of age, as this condition is not fulfilled.
If the person concerned, or the child, is available for work they may qualify for unemployment assistance for which application may be made at the local employment exchange. In the meantime it is also open to her to contact the area community welfare officer, at the local health centre, who may be able to assist her by way of supplementary welfare allowance.
741.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance payments for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reviewed; and the reason he is in receipt of substantially less assistance in the same circumstances as previously prevailed.
The means of the person concerned were assessed at £25 weekly by an appeals officer on 19 July 1983. His claim was later reinvestigated and a deciding officer assessed him with means of £40.15 weekly derived from the benefit of his wife's earnings with effect from 17 October 1984. Accordingly the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him from that date is reduced to £22.80 weekly being the appropriate rate £62.95 less £40.15 means. He is at present attending an AnCO course and unemployment assistance is not payable to him.
He appealed against the assessment of his means at £40.15 weekly 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.
742.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 has been refused a retirement pension although he was a social welfare contributor from 1937 to 1960.
One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of a retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts requires a person to have a yearly average of at least 24 reckonable contributions over the period from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from his year of entry into insurance under the Acts, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age. The person concerned does not satisfy this condition as the Department's records show that he had a total of 386 reckonable contributions in this period, equal to a yearly average of only 12. Neither will he qualify for old age contributory pension at age 66; a yearly average of at least 20 is required for the latter pension.
The employment of the person concerned was insurable at the reduced rate applicable to permanent and pensionable public servants from 1960. These contributions are not reckonable for retirement or old age contributory pension purposes. Depending on his means, he may qualify for a non-contributory old age pension when he reaches age 66 on 25 June 1985. A claim form for this latter pension can be obtained at any post office and should be submitted approximately four months before the person concerned reaches old age pension age.
743.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a full rate of children's allowance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
From the information supplied it has not been possible to trace a children's allowance claim for the person concerned. She is therefore being contacted to ascertain the precise nature of her inquiry. On receipt of her reply any necessary action will be taken.
744.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
A payable order for the arrears in question was sent to the person concerned on 2 November 1984.
745.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory old age pension will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
There is no record of receipt of a claim for a contributory old age pension from the person concerned. He has however submitted a claim for a non-contributory old age pension and this has been referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. On completion of inquiries the claim will be referred for a decision and the claimant will be notified of the outcome in due course.
746.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the payment of unemployment assistance to a family (details supplied) in County Kildare.
The unemployment assistance claim of the first person named in the details supplied by the Deputy was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to disclose details of his self-employment he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer also disallowed his claim on the same grounds. He is not at present signing as unemployed.
The second person referred to is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £36.75 weekly being the appropriate rate £86.75 less means £50. His means are derived from self-employment as a scrap dealer.
The unemployment assistance claim of the third person referred to 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 arrangements are being made for an oral hearing of his appeal at the earliest opportunity. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
747.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will issue a claim for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £31.35 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital. An appeals officer also assessed him with means of £31.35 weekly. His claim to unemployment assistance was accordingly disallowed as his means exceeded the rate payable. However, from 4 July 1984 when rates of unemployment assistance were increased he became entitled to £0.40 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £31.35. Due to a clerical error he has not been paid this £0.40 weekly but all arrears due to him will be paid this week.
His claim was re-investigated recently by a social welfare officer after which his means derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital were reassessed at £52.48 weekly effective from 14 November 1984. His means accordingly exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him from that date and his unemployment assistance claim will be disallowed. Arrangements are being made to notify him accordingly and to advise him of his right to appeal against the re-assessment of his means.
748.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 7 September 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He subsequently submitted a final medical certificate indicating that he was fit to resume work on 11 September 1984 and he also appealed against the disallowance of benefit. A form of appeal was sent to the claimant and on receipt of the completed form his claim for the period 7 September 1984 to 10 September 1984 will be referred to an appeals officer for determination.
He also claimed injury benefit in respect of incapacity resulting from an occupational accident on 1 October 1984. Since the period of incapacity was less than 12 days, injury benefit was payable for one day only, 4 October 1984, and payment of benefit has been issued. The person concerned returned to work on 5 October 1984.
749.
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 claimed unemployment assistance on 28 September 1984 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for an investigation of his means. Inquiries are still being made in the matter but when these are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
750.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as she applied approximately three months ago and there is serious hardship involved in this case due to ill health.
The claim of the person concerned to widow's non-contributory pension is under investigation by a local officer of the Department and a decision will be given as soon as a report on the case is received. It is expected that this will be within the next two weeks. Some difficulty has been experienced in establishing the claimant's means because she has been in hospital for some time and necessary documents were not readily available.
751.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a pension book transferred to a new address on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The old age contributory pension book showing the new address and post office of payment was issued to the person concerned on 8 November 1984.
752.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is not receiving the full rate of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means £12 weekly derived from self-employment exercising greyhounds. He appealed against the means assessment and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £12 weekly. He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £18.90 being the appropriate rate £30.90 less means £12. Weekly payments are continuing to be made as they become due.
753.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, now receiving £58 since he was laid off after five and a half years continuous employment is entitled to (1) pay-related benefit or (2) full unemployment benefit.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 15 October 1984 and his claim was allowed from that date, at the weekly rate of £70.25, the maximum flat rate unemployment benefit appropriate in his case. In addition, he is in receipt of pay-related benefit at the weekly rate of £17.26 from 6 November 1984. Combined weekly payments at £87.51 will continue to be made as they become due.
754.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason £30 means was assessed against a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in his application for unemployment assistance when this person has no means whatsoever; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £30.10 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his father's holding and from the value of capital. His unemployment assistance claim was accordingly disallowed as the amount of the means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance appropriate to his case.
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.
755.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 31 August 1984, 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 28 November 1984. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
756.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not been granted a non-contributory old age pension.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated by the social welfare officer. Details regarding the disposal of capital have been requested and when these are received, the claim will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The claimant will be notified of the outcome in due course.
757.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a refund of £870,000 to Roscommon County Council under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which was overpaid by the council from 1977.
The annual amounts payable by local authorities towards expenditure on supplementary welfare allowances by health boards are calculated in accordance with the provisions laid down in legislation.
According to information supplied by the Western Health Board no overpayment has been made by the Roscommon County Council but, on the contrary, at the end of September 1984, a sum of £405,304 remained due to the board by that council in respect of their liability as calculated under the statutory provisions.
The arrangements for financing the supplementary welfare allowances scheme are not operating in a satisfactory manner and the situation is being reviewed with a view to ensuring that health boards are adequately funded to fulfil their obligations under the scheme.
758.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for disability benefit on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 15 February 1984 following his examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 2 May 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work.
His case was referred to an appeals officer who held an oral hearing of his case on 21 August 1984. The appeals officer deferred a decision pending receipt of a medical report which the claimant indicated he would furnish. The medical report is now to hand and has been sent to the appeals officer for consideration.
759.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people at present receiving (1) unemployment benefit; (2) unemployment assistance; and (3) disability benefit; and the average cost per week of disability benefit payments.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Payment |
Date |
Number of recipients |
|
Unemployment Benefit |
26.10.84 |
82,345 |
|
Unemployment Assistance (Live Register) |
26.10.84 |
109,218 |
|
Unemployment Assistance (Smallholders) |
26.10.84 |
16,995 |
|
Disability Benefit |
27.10.84 |
72,565 |
The average weekly cost of disability benefit between 7 July 1984 and 27 October 1984 was £3.65 million.
The average weekly cost of the pay-related supplement to disability benefit in the same period was £0.3 million.
760.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare how much extra moneys it would cost the Exchequer to provide double payments at Christmas to those on long-term unemployment payments and to the families of those on short-term payments.
The cost of providing a double payment at Christmas to recipients of long term unemployment assistance would be of the order of £5 million. The cost of a similar payment to persons on short-term payments with families would also be of the order of £5 million.
761.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been refused disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 17 October 1983 and payment was issued to her from 20 October 1983, the fourth day of incapacity, to 17 October 1984, a period of 52 weeks.
Payment ceased after 17 October 1984 because the Department's records indicated that she had less than the required minimum 156 contributions paid from her date of entry into insurable employment to entitle her to payment of benefit in excess of 52 weeks. Payment of benefit was restored on receipt of her 1983-84 insurance record which qualifies her for continuous payment of benefit. All benefit has been issued to 23 October 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
762.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he is six years on disability benefit and has a serious leg disability.
The person concerned is being awarded an invalidity pension from 8 November 1984. A pension book payable from 29 November 1984 will be issued to the designated post office of payment in the near future.
Arrears in respect of the period from 8 November 1984 to 28 November 1984, less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period, will be paid by payable order.
763.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was left without an old age pension from the beginning of October to date; the reason so many old age pensioners in Cork were left waiting for their new books for a lengthy period of time without any explanation or apology; if he will ensure that this does not recur; and if he will carry out a full investigation into the incompetency of certain sections of his Department in relation to this matter.
The old age pension book for the person concerned payable from 5 October 1984 did not issue to the local post office due to a clerical error. When this error came to light the appropriate book was issued direct to the person concerned on 31 October 1984. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.
A relatively small number of errors of this nature occurred in transferring non-contributory old age pensions to a computerised system of payment for October 1984. All such cases which have been brought to light have been dealt with and the appropriate pension books were issued direct to the pensioners concerned.
Apart from these instances, which have not significantly affected any one location, it is known that a number of contributory old age pension books which were issued to the Mallow area did not arrive. This is under investigatation at present and replacement books have been issued direct to the pensioners in all cases reported to date. If the Deputy is aware of any other cases where renewal books are still outstanding, these will be dealt with on receipt of identifying particulars.
764.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a free telephone rental allowance to be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
In order to qualify for a free telephone rental allowance a person in receipt of a qualifying payment must be living entirely alone or only with children under 15 years of age or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to summon aid in an emergency. The person concerned is residing with his wife and their son. His wife is not, from the information furnished, a permanently incapacitated person as required by the scheme. Accordingly, a free telephone rental allowance cannot be applied in this case. The applicant was notified to this effect on 31 October 1984.
765.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an old age pension claim made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It was decided on 8 November 1984 that the person concerned is not entitled to any old age pension on the grounds that his means, consisting of half the weekly value of his wife's earnings, capital and a share in a farm, exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. Notification of this decision has been issued to the claimant.
766.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Following a review of the old age pension entitlements of the person concerned, it was found that there had been an increase in his means. Accordingly, it was decided on 24 October 1984 that he is entitled to old age pension at the reduced rate of £26.05 from 19 October 1984 which includes an adult dependant allowance of £8.75 in respect of his wife. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital and an annuity from the Irish Land Commission. His current pension book was recalled for adjustment and a book at the correct rate was issued to him on 2 November 1984.
767.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will issue on an unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will undertake to see that all circumstances are taken into account.
The claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal his claim was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.
These inquiries were extensive and were recently completed. In the light of new facts elicited during the course of inquiries a deciding officer revised his original decision and assessed him with means at £40.40 weekly derived from the profit from land and from capital. Arrears due were paid to him on 25 October 1984 and a further adjusting amount of arrears will be paid to him next week as he is now qualified for unemployment assistance as a long-term recipient at the weekly rate £39.10 being the appropriate rate £79.50 less £40.40 means.
He has also been advised that if he is not satisfied with the revised assessment of his means it is open to him to appeal and to have his case determined by an appeals officer.
768.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age contributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when his birth certificate will be returned to him.
A claim for an old age contributory pension was received from the person concerned on 26 October 1984. He has been awarded the pension at the maximum rate of £48.25 with effect from 5 October 1984. He is being asked to return his existing invalidity pension book and when this is done his old age contributory pension book will be issued to the designated post office for collection by him.
He has also claimed a living alone allowance. The local social welfare officer has been asked to investigate this claim and a decision will be made when the officer's report is received. His birth certificate is being returned to him.
769.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the full amount of a non-contributory old age pension is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will arrange to have her entitlement reinvestigated.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of old age pension at the reduced weekly rate of £39.30. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the latest assessment of her means, consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's forestry pension.
Her entitlement is at present under review by the social welfare officer. If there is any significant change in her circumstances which will affect her current rate of pension the matter will be referred for decision and she will be notified of the outcome in due course.
770.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay on a regular basis the full amount of disability benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will pay arrears for the past 12 months to this person.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 4 June 1984 and was paid at the weekly rate of £104.75, the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with five dependent children. He was not entitled to pay-related benefit as the amount of disability benefit payable exceeded 75 per cent of his average reckonable weekly earnings in the 1982-83 tax year which governed his entitlement to pay-related benefit.
Payment was issued to him on a regular weekly basis to 17 October 1984 after which date payment of benefit was disallowed for six weeks as he failed to attend for examination by a medical referee. He submitted an explanation for his nonattendance which was accepted and accordingly benefit was restored. Arrears of benefit for the period from 17 October 1984 to 29 October 1984, the date of the latest medical evidence received, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced were issued on 2 November 1984.
771.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment benefit will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 8 September 1984 and his entitlement to benefit is governed by his contribution record during the contribution period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983.
During this contribution period he was resident in this country and in receipt of unemployment assistance. However, his entitlement to credited contributions in respect of that period cannot be determined until certain inquiries have been completed to establish his Irish contribution record prior to his departure to the United Kingdom and his British contribution record while resident in that country. If he satisfies the conditions for award of credited contributions he will qualify for unemployment benefit at the maximum rate appropriate to him. In the meantime he is in receipt of advances of unemployment assistance at £29.75 weekly pending the outcome of the investigations.
772.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason his Department refused to pay insurance benefits to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick having regard to the fact that her contributions were deducted from her by her former employer; and if he will take the necessary steps to give her her stamp benefits and her moneys for unemployment assistance which she has signed on for since 25 June 1984.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that the applicant is available for work and to be termed available for work an applicant must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking employment. Although she satisfied the contribution conditions for unemployment benefit, it was decided following the completion of inquiries, that she was not available for work and her claim was disallowed. She was notified accordingly. She has not appealed against the disallowance of her claim although advised of her right to do so.
773.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned was assessed with means £45 weekly derived from capital and the benefit of board and lodgings on his uncle's holding. The means assessed exceeded the maximum rate payable in his case. He was accordingly not entitled to unemployment assistance.
He appealed and an appeals officer assessed his means at £43 weekly from 1 February 1983 and £41.55 from 3 August 1984 and again his claim for unemployment assistance was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate of unemployment assistance appropriate to him. He ceased to sign as unemployed after 18 September 1984.
774.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of an appeal for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Following a review of the means of the person concerned he was assessed with means at £86.20 weekly derived from the profit from land with effect from 25 July 1984. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £13.60 being the approrpiate rate £99.80 less means £86.20.
He appealed and arising from contentions raised in his appeal it was necessary to return the papers to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquires are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
775.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution condition applicable to a landholder of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period. His case has, however, been referred to a social welfare officer to establish whether the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily. His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of these inquiries.
In the meantime he is being paid unemployment assistance at £54.80 weekly being the rate appropriate to him £81.85 less £27.05 means pending the outcome of his unemployment benefit application.
776.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who is in receipt of unemployment assistance has not been informed of the result of his application for free fuel.
I understand from the Eastern Health Board, which administers the national fuel scheme in the Dublin area, that the person concerned was notified on 17 October and 9 November 1984 that he is not entitled to a fuel allowance under that scheme.
777.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people in receipt of unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance including farmers' unemployment assistance, disability benefit and invalidity pensions in County Roscommon on 31 October, 1984.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available as statistics of social welfare recipients are not generally maintained on a county basis. The only analysis of social welfare recipients by county relates to the live register of the unemployed. According to the latest such analysis, relating to 24 August 1984, the total number of people on the live register residing in County Roscommon was 2,090.
778.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not getting the full pension as she has only received one payment and no payment was made in respect of a number of weeks.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £41.30 from 21 September 1984. The appropriate pension book issued on 17 September 1984.
However, due to a clerical error the pension book payable from 5 October 1984 did not issue. When this error came to light the appropriate pension book was issued. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.