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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 1984

Vol. 354 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

627.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive a deserted wife's allowance applied for some time ago.

The claim of the person concerned to social assistance allowance is at present with a local officer of the Department for investigation. It is expected that inquiries will be completed inside the next week or so and on receipt of the officer's report a decision will be given on the claim without delay.

628.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of retirement pension due since May 1984, will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

The amount of retirement pension for the six week period from 24 May to 4 July 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to the person concerned in that period, has been issued direct to her by payable order. The replacement book issued to her on 2 July 1984 contained orders payable from 5 July 1984.

629.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason there has been such a major delay in examining an appeal for a non-contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.

It was decided by an appeals officer on 27 October 1983 that the person concerned was not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that her means were not fully disclosed.

A repeat claim from the person concerned which was received on 20 August 1984 has now been fully investigated. Payment of pension has been refused as the assessment of her means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding, is in excess of the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. She was notified of this decision and of her right to appeal, if dissatisfied with it, on 12 November 1984.

630.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the position of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who was refused unemployment assistance.

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 25 June 1984 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 25 October 1984. The appeals officer, whose decision is final in the absence of fresh facts or new evidence, also decided that she was not available for employment and disallowed her claim up to and including 25 October 1984. She ceased to sign as unemployed on 26 October 1984. If however the person concerned feels there has been some change in her circumstances, it is open to her to resume signing as unemployed and her availability for work will be reinvestigated. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit after 25 October 1984 will then be determined in the light of the outcome of the inquiries.

631.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when free telephone rental will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will check the amount of arrears which are due to her in view of the confusion which has arisen in his Department in this matter.

An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned has been approved by the Department with effect from 28 August 1984 — the date of receipt of her application. Telecom Éireann have been advised of the decision in her case and will arrange to apply the allowance, including any arrears due, to her telephone account.

632.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of a non-contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated by the social welfare officer. Details regarding the disposal of capital, a bank account, and the capital value of property have been requested from the solicitor of the person concerned 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.

633.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.

A payable order for arrears of unmarried mother's allowance for the period from 28 June 1984 to 20 September 1984, less adjustments in respect of supplementary welfare allowance, maternity allowance and unemployment benefit paid to her during the same period, has now been sent to the person concerned.

634.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore the full amount of smallholders assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.

The amount of means assessed against the person concerned is under review and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. Due to an error, payment of unemployment assistance was incorrectly withheld pending the outcome of the reinvestigation. The matter was recently corrected and arrangements have been made to pay all arrears due and to resume weekly payments this week.

635.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare, if he will have the decision on an appeal for unemployment assistance made known to the claimant (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will explain the reason for his refusal of the first application.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned, who is a postal applicant, was disallowed, on the grounds that he did not fulfil the condition of being available for, and genuinely seeking work. He appealed against the disallowance and following an oral hearing of his appeal on 6 November 1984, at which he attended, an appeals officer also disallowed his claim on the same grounds. He was written to and advised of the decision of the appeals officer on 9 November 1984.

636.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.

One of the conditions for receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a claimant must make reasonable efforts within the means available to her to trace her husband and to prevail on him to contribute to her support and maintenance and that of their children.

The deciding officer held that this condition was not satisfied by the person concerned and disallowed her claim. She appealed against the decision and the case has been sent to an appeals officer for determination. An appeals officer may hold an oral hearing of an appeal and in the event of him doing so in this case the claimant will be notified of the date and place of the hearing. Meanwhile she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the North-Eastern Health Board.

637.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension which was applied for two months ago will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and the reason for the delay.

The old age pension claim of the person concerned has been partially investigated by the social welfare officer. Details regarding the transfer of a holding have been requested from the solicitor of the person concerned 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.

638.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the maximum amount of 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 an old age pension at the weekly rate of £14.60 from 17 April 1984 increasing to £17.30 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of a British retirement pension. An appeal against this decision has been received and referred to an appeals officer for determination. When the decision is made, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

639.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

A payable order for the arrears of unmarried mother's allowance for the week in question (4 to 10 October 1984) has now been sent to the person concerned.

640.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has not received disability benefit since becoming ill and being hospitalised on 19 October 1984, having been in receipt of unemployment benefit until then; and in view of the fact that this man is married with three children, if he will confirm that the disability benefit has issued.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 19 October 1984 and payment has been made to 9 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. Benefit payable in respect of the period 19 October to 2 November, amounting to £191.46, is being refunded to the Eastern Health Board to offset against payment of £225 supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him for the period from 22 October 1984 to 10 November 1984. The outstanding balance of supplementary welfare allowance of £33.54 is being recovered by deduction of £7.77 from his weekly disability benefit.

641.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when invalidity pension will be paid to a fully qualified 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 and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.

642.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The living alone allowance is an integral part of pensions payable by the Department to persons who are over 66 years of age. The person concerned, who is understood to be in receipt of a British retirement pension, is not receiving a pension from the Department and cannot, therefore, be paid this allowance.

643.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of money paid out in social welfare benefit to former Ross Co. workers since 1982; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is not possible to furnish the information requested in the absence of details which would enable each applicant and the type of social welfare benefit claimed to be identified.

644.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when full rate of children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The claimant was issued with an allowance book at an incorrect rate. She has been asked to return the book to the Department and when this is received the necessary adjustment to her payment will be made.

645.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone allowance will be granted to a person who is fully qualified for same (details supplied) in County Wexford.

An application from the person concerned was received in the Department on 1 November 1984. Before a decision can be given in this case it will be necessary to establish the circumstances of the household. A local officer of the Department has been requested to visit the person concerned and furnish a report. When this report is received a decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.

646.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has been refused an old age pension as she satisfies all the conditions.

It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to old age pension as her means were not fully disclosed. The claimant declined to give details of her husband's earnings. If the person concerned is now prepared to disclose details of her means, she should notify the Department to that effect and her case will be re-investigated.

647.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will give a decision on the second application form for a death grant submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will give details of the decision.

There is no trace of the receipt in the Department of an application form for death grant from the person concerned. In order to qualify, the deceased or the spouse of the deceased would be required to satisfy certain contribution conditions. One of these conditions requires a minimum of 26 contributions in the 1982-83 income tax year or a yearly average of 26 contributions over the period 1970 to 1982-83. The person concerned is in receipt of a non-contributory widow's pension and it would appear from the details furnished in connection with this claim that the contribution conditions for receipt of death grant are not satisfied.

648.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The person concerned will reach retirement pension age on 26 November 1984. If he wishes to claim retirement pension, he should complete and return the claim form which was sent to him by the Department on 23 October 1984. He is in receipt of invalidity pension at present. According to the records of the Department, he would qualify for retirement pension at the maximum rate.

649.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrangements will be made to have deserted wife's allowance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

One of the conditions for the receipt of a deserted wife's payment is that a person must make reasonable efforts within the means available to her to trace her husband and to prevail on him to contribute to her support. The deciding officer held that this condition was not satisfied by the person concerned and disallowed her claim. She appealed against this decision and her case has been sent to an appeals officer for determination. In the event of an oral hearing of her appeal the claimant will be notified of the date and place of the hearing.

650.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of small farmers who had payment of their unemployment assistance either discontinued or reduced in each employment exchange office in County Kerry in the period 10 February 1983, to 1 November 1984.

The only statistics maintained are in relation to smallholders who were formerly in receipt of unemployment assistance based on the notional assessment by reference to the poor law valuation and whose means have been factually assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1983.

The number of smallholders registered at local offices in County Kerry who have had their unemployment assistance either discontinued or reduced following factual assessment of their means are as follows: Tralee, 340; Killarney, 124; Listowel, 327; Dingle, 190; Killorglin, 107; Cahirciveen, 145; Kenmare, 100.

651.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant unemployment assistance at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who appealed last June; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Payment of unemployment assistance is only made at the maximum rate to an applicant who is assessed with nil means. The person concerned was assessed with means of £50 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on his father's holding. He was in receipt of £4.80 the appropriate rate £54.80 less means of £50. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer assessed his means at £39.20 weekly effective from 25 July 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.60 weekly the appropriate rate £54.80 less £39.20. All arrears due to him were paid recently and payments of £15.60 weekly continue to be made as they become due.

652.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted and all arrears paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means of £32.70 weekly exceeded the rate payable to him. His means were derived from self-employment as an electrician. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer assessed him with means of £15 weekly effective from 31 January 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £14.40 weekly, the appropriate rate £29.40 less means £15 from 31 January 1984 to 3 July 1984 and £14.95 weekly (£29.95 less means £15) from 4 July 1984. All arrears due to him will be paid this week and further weekly payments of £14.95 will continue to be made as they become due.

635.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned revealed that his means derived from the profit and his holding was £38.45 weekly. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate £33.80, the appropriate rate £72.25 less means £38.45. 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. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

654.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be restored to person (details supplied) in County Kerry in whose case an appeal is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £3.90 weekly with means assessed on the notional value of his holding. Following an investigation of his means he was assessed with means at £55.75 derived from the profit from his land with effect from 31 October 1984. The rate of means assessed against him exceeds the maximum rate of unemployment assistance appropriate in his case and his unemployment assistance claim was accordingly disallowed. He recently advised his local office that he did not wish to proceed with his appeal and he has ceased to sign as unemployed.

655.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned was assessed with means at £36 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging made available to her. Her means exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance appropriate in her case and her claim was accordingly disallowed. She recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and her case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

656.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason two persons (details supplied) who are old age pensioners had their pension books withdrawn.

Following a routine review of the old age pension entitlements of the persons concerned, it was found that there had been an increase in their means since the date of last assessment. Accordingly, it was decided that they are each only entitled to a pension at the weekly rates of £15.30 from 12 October 1984, plus additional £3 over-80 allowance for the husband. This is the rate to which they are entitled having regard to the assessment of their means consisting of half the weekly value of capital and the husband's occupational pension. Their pension books were recalled for adjustment and the appropriate new pension books issued on 13 November 1984.

657.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an electricity allowance was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork after 12½ years.

A free electricity allowance applied to the late husband of the person concerned at their Kilkenny address. Following his death she moved her present address and applied to have the allowance granted in respect of her ESB account at this address. Her application was approved and the ESB have confirmed that the allowance is applying in her case from the October-November 1984 billing period. Because of her late husband's entitlement, the allowance should have been granted from the date she became the registered consumer at her present address and arrangements have been made to have the allowance backdated to that date.

658.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the new instructions that have been issued to health boards regarding the payment of fuel and clothing grants to social welfare recipients, following the decision of the High Court on 11 November to quash a decision of the Eastern Health Board refusing an application by a Dublin mother for a supplementary allowance in respect of fuel under the national fuel scheme.

659.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the action he proposes to take in relation to free fuel for recipients of unemployment benefit in the light of the recent High Court ruling.

It is proposed to take Question Nos. 658 and 659 together. The text of the judgment in this case has not yet been received. As soon as it becomes available it will be examined in detail and the implications of the judgment will be considered at that stage.

660.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be taken regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the reduction of his unemployment assistance under the small farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned was assessed with means of £52.05 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £34.70 weekly, the appropriate rate £86.75 less means £52.05. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means of £52.05 weekly, on 20 August 1984. He was informed accordingly.

661.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reinvestigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose claim for disability benefit has been disallowed and who is suffering hardship as a result.

Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 20 August 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and he was examined on 26 October by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. An appeal form has been issued to the claimant and he has been advised to return the form setting out the grounds for his appeal if he wishes his case to be referred to an appeals officer for determination.

662.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on 8 November 1983 on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He recently sought a review of his means and following the completion of investigations by a social welfare officer a deciding officer again assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. Accordingly, his claim to unemployment assistance is still disallowed.

663.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £29.70 with effect from 15 June 1984, increased to £33.05 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years with one qualified child whose weekly means exceed £22 but do not exceed £24. Her means derived from a farm holding were assessed at £22.84 a week.

A pension book with orders payable from 5 October 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 19 November 1984 for collection by the claimant and she was notified accordingly. Arrears of pension from 15 June 1984 to 4 October 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by means of a payable order.

Her late husband had been in receipt of invalidity pension at the weekly rate of £74.40, which included increases in respect of his wife and child, and this pension was paid to her for six weeks after his death on 20 April 1984 in place of widow's pension. The claimant's possible entitlement to a widow's contributory pension, on the basis of her late husband's insurable employment is being investigated and she will be notified of the outcome when these inquiries are completed.

The Department of Health and Social Security in Great Britain have also been asked to look into her case to see if she would be eligible for a widow's pension from them. They will be in touch with her in this regard.

664.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid.

The entitlement of the person concerned to arrears of unemployment benefit during the period 15 February 1984 to 13 June 1984 could not be determined until certain inquiries to establish that he was available for work during that period had been completed. However, he satisfied the relevant conditions and as he is a postal applicant arrangements have been made to issue to him an order for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit due, this week, less advances of supplementary welfare allowance which were paid to him. He is at present in receipt of a combined payment at £33.44 weekly representing flat rate unemployment benefit £30.90 and £2.54 pay-related benefit.

665.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he has been unsuccessful in his attempts to gain employment and has also registered with the National Manpower Service.

Following the completion of inquiries the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he does not fulfil the condition of being available for work. He is a postal applicant and he is being written to and informed of the decision on his claim and of his right to have his case referred to an appeals officer for determination.

666.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an unmarried mother's allowance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 for the last nine weeks; if this has now been paid up-to-date as she has arrears of ESB and other bills because of the shortfall in assistance she is getting temporarily from the Eastern Health Board.

An allowance book with orders payable from 15 November 1984 was issued to the person concerned on 16 November. Her allowance book had been recalled on 13 September 1984 following a number of unsuccesful attempts to interview her at home in order to confirm her continued entitlement to the allowance. As a result of this she contacted the Department stating that she had changed her address. An officer called on her there and in the light of his report payment was restored to the claimant.

Arrears for the period 13 September to 14 November 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that period by the Eastern Health Board, will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.

667.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

The person concerned is not an applicant for disability benefit. She claimed unemployment benefit but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she did not fulfil the condition of being available for work. She appealed against the disallowance of her claim and attended an oral hearing of her case on 7 November 1984. The appeals officer requested her to furnish him with evidence showing details of her efforts to find employment. She recently supplied the evidence and the matter has been referred to the appeals officer. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

668.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.

The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment is at present with a local officer of the Department for investigation. It is hoped to have the necessary inquiries completed shortly and a decision will then be given and the claimant notified of the outcome.

669.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not in receipt of his living alone and over 80 allowance as he is 81 years of age.

The person concerned is at present in receipt of maximum rate old age pension plus an over-80 allowance of £3 per week. However his living alone allowance book payable from 5 October 1984 did not issue to the local post office due to a clerical error. The appropriate book has now been issued direct to the person concerned. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.

670.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's contributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £93.50 with effect from 2 November 1984. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years who has four qualified children. A pension book with orders payable from 16 November was issued to the designated post office on 9 November 1984 for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.

Her late husband had been in receipt of disability benefit which included an increase in respect of his wife and children and this was paid to her for six weeks after his death on 20 September 1984 in place of widow's pension. Arrears for the period from 2 November to 15 November 1984, less the amount supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the South-Eastern Health Board, will be sent direct to her shortly by means of a payable order.

671.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an application for a free telephone rental allowance will be reconsidered for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the remoteness of his location and his poor health condition.

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 living with his wife who is not, from the information furnished, permanently incapacitated as required by the scheme. A free telephone rental allowance cannot therefore be granted to the applicant.

672.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of how an assessment of means of £76.90 was arrived at in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The means of the person concerned were assessed on the basis of a gross income of £7,450 per annum derived by him from the benefical occupation of a holding. He was allowed £3,450 per annum in respect of expenses incurred by him in earning his income and accordingly he was deemed to enjoy a profit of £4,000 per annum. He was, therefore, assessed with weekly means of £76.90.

He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and an appeals officer also assessed him with means at £76.90 weekly. He recently requested the appeals officer to reconsider his appeal application and to grant him an oral hearing of his case. His request has been forwarded to the appeals officer and he will be advised of the outcome when it is known. In the meantime he continues to receive unemployment assistance at £22.90 weekly being the appropriate rate £99.80 less £76.90 means.

673.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory widow's pension at the maximum rate is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.

Following a reassessment of her means the rate of pension payable to the person concerned has been increased from £35.05 to £43.05 a week, with effect from 13 July 1984. This is the rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years with one qualified child whose weekly means exceed £12 but do not exceed £14. Her means, derived from a farm holding and some capital, were assessed at £12.27 a week. A pension book at the increased rate will be issued to the designated post office for collection by her when she returns the book she has at present. Arrears will be sent direct to her by means of a payable order.

674.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who applied for a non-contributory old age pension in June 1983 has received no pension to date.

It was decided by an appeals officer on 9 June 1983 that the person concerned was not entitled to an old age pension as his means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding and capital, were in excess of the statutory limit. A repeat claim, which was subsequently made by the person concerned, was investigated by the social welfare officer and payment of pension was not recommended on the grounds that the applicant's means were not fully disclosed. An appeal against the decision given on this claim is before an appeals officer, who requested further information regarding the transfer of the holding and the disposal of capital before giving his decision. This information has now been received and the case is being resubmitted to the appeals officer for determination. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course.

If is is decided that pension is payable, the appropriate books and any arrears due will be issued without delay.

675.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the long delay in paying arrears of a contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, in respect of the period 29 June 1984 to 27 July 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned reached age 66 years on 25 June 1984 and claimed old age contributory pension on 18 June 1984. He was awarded the pension at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 35 contributions with effect from 29 June 1984. An old age contributory pension book containing orders payable from 27 July 1984 was issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he was notified accordingly.

Arrears of pension for the period 29 June 1984 to 26 July 1984 have been issued direct to him by payable order. The delay in payment of the arrears is regretted.

676.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive arrears of a deserted wife's allowance.

A payable order for the arrears, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the South-Eastern Health Board, has now been sent to the person concerned.

677.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 is in receipt of only £24.70 per week although he has only £2,000 in capital left after a redundancy lump sum paid in April last year, if unemployment assistance is reduced by £4 for every £2,000 capital a person has; and, if so, the reason this person is getting £12 less than he would normally be entitled to.

In assessing means of an applicant for unemployment assistance purposes the weekly value of capital is calculated by taking 5 per cent of the first £400 and if he has capital in excess of £400 by taking 10 per cent of the balance. The sum so calculated is divided by 52 and the amount arrived at is deemed to be the weekly value of the capital.

In calculating the means of the person concerned he was treated as having capital amounting to £8,644.54 which was made up of a bank account of £2,244.54 in addition to a sum of £6,400 in respect of which he failed to furnish a satisfactory explanation of its disposal. The net weekly value of his capital was accordingly calculated at £16.25 weekly. He is accordingly being paid unemployment assistance at £25 weekly being the rate appropriate to him £41.25 less £16.25 means. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed him with means at £16.25 weekly and he was notified accordingly.

678.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a married man with five children (details supplied) in County Meath is only receiving £80 a week unemployment assistance.

The person concerned was assessed with means at £48 weekly derived from self-employment as a carpenter. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £40.70 weekly being the appropriate rate £88.70 less means £48. If he is dissatisfied with the 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.

679.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 will receive back payments of deserted wife's allowance from August 1983.

A payable order for arrears of deserted wife's benefit for the period from 3 November 1983 to 21 June 1984, less the amount of her husband's unemployment benefit paid to her during that time, has now been sent to the person concerned. The date of desertion given by her was 1 August 1983 and under the regulations governing the scheme payment does not commence until three months after desertion.

680.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress made in the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for an invalidity pension.

The regulations provide that the claimant, apart from satisfying the contribution conditions, must be regarded as permanently incapable of work in order to qualify for invalidity pension.

The person concerned was examined on 7 November 1984 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work and asked to have him referred again for a further examination after six months. He is not, therefore, qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension. His entitlement will be reviewed in the light of the next examination by the medical referee. In the meantime he continues to receive disability benefit at the rate of £61.40 per week, the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with no child dependants.

681.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have disability benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is sending in monthly certificates as directed by his Department.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 12 July 1983 and payment was issued to her from 15 July 1983, the fourth day of incapacity, based on her insurance record for 1981-82. As her insurance record for 1982-83 had insufficient contributions, payment was suspended from 13 July 1984. Subsequent investigations regarding her insurance record for 1982-83 showed that she was qualified for benefit and payment of benefit was restored. However, due to an oversight, she was not reinstated on the system of monthly certificates and payment only issued on receipt of medical certificates in the Department. This matter has now been rectified and benefit will be paid on a weekly basis on receipt of medical certificates at monthly intervals while the person concerned remains unfit for work.

682.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying a deserted wife's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.

The claim of the person concerned to a deserted wife's payment is at present under investigation. She has been visited by a local officer of the Department but it will also be necessary to have her husband interviewed. It is hoped to do so inside the next few days. As soon as the reports on the case are received a decision will be given and the claimant will be notified. Meanwhile it is understood that she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the NorthEastern Health Board and also has some part-time earnings.

683.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Meath.

Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 30 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 3 December 1984. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.

684.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the serious financial hardship being caused due to the delay in deciding an unemployment assistance appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish full details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.

He recently appealed against the disallowance of his claim and his case was returned to the social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity of revealing details of his means. It is expected that the inquiries will soon be completed after which the case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

685.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for an early decision in an unemployment assistance appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to reveal full details of his means he failed to show that his means do not exceed the statutory limit.

He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and his case was returned to a social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity of disclosing his means in full. It is expected that the inquiries in the case will be completed shortly after which his case will be submitted 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.

686.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the serious financial hardship being caused due to the delay in deciding an unemployment assistance appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish full details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.

He recently appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and his case was returned to a social welfare officer to afford him a further opportunity of disclosing his means. It is expected that the inquiries will be completed shortly after which his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

687.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was receiving £2.80 more on invalidity pension than he is now receiving on retirement pension.

The person concerned was awarded a retirement pension from 23 February 1984 at the maximum rate payable to a single man. A retirement pension book at the weekly rate of £45.10 payable from 21 June 1984 was issued to him.

He had previously been in receipt of invalidity pension, to 20 June 1984, at the maximum appropriate rate of £39.75 and arrears of retirement pension for the period from 23 February 1984 to 20 June 1984, less the amount of invalidity pension paid in the same period, amounting to £79 were also issued.

The weekly rates of pensions were increased from 5 July 1984. A supplementary invalidity pension book implementing this increase at the weekly rate of £2.80 had issued to the designated post office of payment in April 1984. This book was not returned to the Department. It should not have been cashed when retirement pension was in payment.

The maximum rate payable to a single man in receipt of retirement pension is £48.25 while the corresponding rate of invalidity pension is £42.55.

688.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned reached age 66 on 31 August 1984 and claimed a contributory old age pension on 13 September 1984. A contributory old age pension book containing orders payable from 5 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly.

The amount of contributory old age pension in respect of the period from 31 August 1984 to 4 October 1984 has been issued to him by payable order.

689.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the means of the person; the expenses allowed by his Department on his claim; and if his application could be reconsidered.

The unemployment assistance 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 recently appealed against the decision and in the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries.

The papers are at present in postal transit and in their absence it is not possible in the time available to furnish details of the expenses allowed in the course of assessing means. When the social welfare officer completes his investigations the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

690.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason children's allowances at the full rate for all eligible children have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason payment has been discontinued as a result of the change in the payment system for this person; the reason correspondence on a number of occasions has not been replied to by his Department; if he will now direct his Department to pay all arrears up to date; the date on which all payments and the amount thereof will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned had the office of payment for her allowance changed from her bank to her local post office. Because of an administrative error the renewal allowance book due to her was issued for payment at her bank. The matter has since been rectified and the corrected allowance book was issued to her home address on 3 October 1984. In view of the Deputy's question, she is being contacted to see if she received the book and when her reply is received any necessary action will be taken without delay.

The delay in dealing with this case arose due to a seasonal increase in workload. Subsequent letters from the claimant bore no reference number and were not associated with her claim for some time. Any inconvenience caused to her is regretted.

691.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal for unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

Following the completion of inquiries the unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that she did not fulfil the condition of being available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance of her claim and arrangements have been made for an oral hearing of her appeal to take place on 21 November 1984. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

692.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a person (details supplied) in County Waterford approved for unemployment assistance.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries to enable her means to be assessed were completed. The investigations in the case were recently completed and she was assessed with nil means. She is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £29.95 weekly and all arrears due were paid on 23 October 1984. Further weekly payments are being made as they become due.

693.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is now waiting three months for an oral hearing in connection with his small holders' unemployment assistance appeal; and if he will take immediate steps to arrange to have the hearing take place as a matter of urgency.

The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim in September 1984. As a result of certain contentions made by him in support of his appeal application, his case was returned to the social welfare officer for additional inquiries. These investigations were recently completed and the case has been submitted to an appeals officer for determination. The case will be dealt with by the appeals officer at the earliest opportunity.

694.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting an oral hearing in the small holders' unemployment assistance appeal case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he is aware that a long delay has been experienced in waiting for this hearing and grave hardship has been caused.

The person concerned was assessed with means of £61.50 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and requested an oral hearing. In the light of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries and when these were completed his case was submitted to an appeals officer.

The appeals officer decided on the basis of the evidence before him than an oral hearing was not necessary and that it would be appropriate to decide the case summarily. He also assessed the person concerned with means of £61.50 weekly. He has been informed accordingly. If the person concerned has additional information to offer, he should bring it to the Department's attention and the matter will be re-examined. He is at present in receipt of £10.75 weekly the appropriate rate £72.25 less means £61.50.

695.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to a living alone allowance from 1 June 1984. The appropriate pension book and arrears have issued.

696.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department have determined an appeal by a recipient of disability benefit (details supplied) in Dublin 5 asking that he be put back on 30 per cent disability benefit because of his deteriorating condition; if the Department have decided in favour of this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned is in receipt of disablement benefit in respect of a disablement which resulted from an accident at work on 23 January 1981. He was receiving disablement benefit at the rate appropriate to disablement assessed at 30 per cent to 26 July 1984 when following a medical examination the extent of his disablement was reassessed at 20 per cent provisionally from 27 July 1984 to 10 January 1985.

He is now in receipt of disablement benefit at the rate appropriate to disablement assessed at 20 per cent and is also in receipt of disability benefit. He appealed against the reduction in the assessment of disablement. An oral hearing of the appeal will be held as soon as possible. While the representations made by the Deputy will be taken into account by the appeals officer when deciding the case, it is also open to the appellant to submit supporting medical evidence in connection with his appeal.

697.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department have made a final decision in the case of a recipient of disability benefit (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who has applied to be permitted to change from submitting one certificate per week to a system of one certificate per month because of the financial burden doctors' charges impose on him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned has been paid disability benefit on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity in the Department. In view of the duration and nature of the claimant's illness however, arrangements have been made to issue further payments on a regular weekly basis while medical certificates are only required at monthly intervals.

The position regarding payment for medical certificates, is that all doctors who have an agreement with the Department are required to issue medical certificates free of charge to insured persons who are incapable of work provided such certificates are required for the purpose of claiming benefit under the social welfare Acts. However, it should be noted that a certifier may make a charge, however, if at the same time he gives medical advice, treatment or medicines.

698.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a couple (details supplied) in Dublin 5 both of whom are in receipt of disability benefit, did not have benefit issued to them during the week of 5 November 1984 to 9 November 1984, as this caused them great hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

All disability benefit payable to 13 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to the husband in respect of his claim. Payment is normally made on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity in the Department. However, the RSI number on a medical certificate dated 5 November 1984 was illegible and there was, therefore, a delay in issuing payment for the period 31 October 1984 to 6 November 1984. Payment for this period was issued on 12 November 1984.

The wife has been in receipt of disability benefit since 21 June 1982, and payment is issued on receipt of medical certificates in the Department. She notified the Department on 9 November 1984 that she did not receive payment for the period from 27 October 1984 to 2 November 1984. No medical certificate has been received at that time covering that period. However, payment was issued on 12 November 1984 and all benefit payable to 9 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued.

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