asked the Minister for Social Welfare if dependants' allowance payments of disability benefit will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford and, if so, when.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
719.
The person concerned made an application to the Department to have the increase for the adult and child dependants payable on her husband's disability benefit claim issued separately to her. Pending investigations into this matter by the Department disability benefit payable to her husband was issued at the weekly rate appropriate to a single man. The investigations have now been completed and it has been decided to issue the increases separately to her.
The arrears payable were issued on 30 November 1984 and all benefit payable to both parties has been issued to date. Further payment of disability benefit will continue to be issued separately while the husband of the person concerned remains incapable of work.
720.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick as she applied six weeks ago.
The claim of the person concerned for unmarried mother's allowance is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. On receipt of his report, which is expected within the next few days, a decision will be given on the case without delay.
721.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick as she applied six weeks ago.
The claim of the person concerned for unmarried mother's allowance is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. On receipt of his report, which is expected within the next few days, a decision will be given on the case without delay.
722.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making the normal social welfare payments to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin having regard to the fact that the subscriber had no alternative but to leave the national army on account of his youngest daughter suffering from Downes Syndrome and the fact that he has four other children and his support at home for his family was essential; and, in the circumstances, if his appropriate social welfare allowance can now be sanctioned without further delay.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 November 1984. Inquiries had to be made to establish the reason why his previous employment was terminated and also if he fulfilled the condition of being available for work before his entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined.
These inquiries were recently completed and payment of unemployment benefit of £104.75 weekly has been authorised in his case and as he is a postal applicant an order issued to him last week for encashment at his local post office. All arrears of unemployment benefit due less advances of supplementary welfare allowance will be paid when the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid has been ascertained. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
723.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making the normal payments of social welfare to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if payment can be authorised and expedited having regard to the fact that the subscriber's employer has absconded and she is consequently unable to obtain a P45 or any other documentation from her former employer.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of flat rate unemployment benefit at £37.25 weekly which is the appropriate rate applicable in her case. Entitlement to pay-related benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit, flat rate unemployment benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of a claimant.
In order to calculate the 85 per cent limit applicable in the case of the person concerned it is necessary to ascertain her earnings for the period 5 June 1984 to 11 September 1984 as she was unable to supply a form P45. The matter is at present being investigated by a social welfare officer and her entitlement to pay-related benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome of these inquiries.
724.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the increase in the rate of old age pension which is being granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway was not back dated to June.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £41.30 from 13 July 1984. This is the Friday following the date on which an application for an increase in pension was received from the person concerned and is, therefore, the appropriate commencement date for the increase in this case.
725.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as it is due to him from 25 September 1984.
According to records at the Department the person concerned was engaged in employment from 22 May 1984 to 11 October 1984. He claimed unemployment benefit on 15 November 1984 and he is at present in receipt of weekly payments of £61.40 as they become due.
726.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when £100 arrears of unemployment benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be paid.
The person concerned is a postal applicant for unemployment benefit and he is at present in receipt of weekly payment at £70.25 weekly. Following a recent review of his claim it was established that he was in receipt of disability benefit up to 23 April 1984 and on the basis of a linking claim he is entitled to unemployment benefit in respect of the three days at the commencement of his unemployment benefit claim which had been held as waiting days. Arrears amounting to £35.13 will be paid in addition to his weekly payment at £70.25 this week.
727.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a living alone allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly as the application was made last August and this person is in receipt of a contributory old age pension.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 30 July 1984. He claimed a contributory old age pension and a living alone allowance on 25 June 1984. He was awarded the pension at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 32 contributions with effect from 3 August 1984. He did not, however, qualify for a living alone allowance at that time as his daughter was residing with him. He subsequently wrote to the Department saying that his daughter had gone to live abroad since 11 September 1984. This was confirmed by the local social welfare officer and he was awarded the allowance with effect from 14 September 1984.
A supplementary book for the allowance containing orders payable from 5 October 1984 was issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he was notified accordingly. The arrears due from 14 September 1984 to 4 October 1984 have been issued to him by payable order.
728.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 25 April 1984 on the grounds that his means of £45 weekly, derived from the value of capital and from the profit from his holding, exceeded the rate payable to him.
He did not appeal against the amount of means assessed against him but he requested a review of his means on 19 November 1984. His case has been referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of his means and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
729.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance which is due from 26 April 1984 to 10 May 1984, will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
A person is disqualified for receiving unemployment assistance while he is resident, whether temporarily or permanently, outside the State. The person concerned was in England for the period 26 April 1984 to 9 May 1984, and accordingly was not entitled to payment of unemployment assistance for the period in question.
730.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has not received unemployment assistance payments; and if this situation will be reviewed in the near future as the person has no income of his own.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to disclose his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He applied for a review of the assessment of his means and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. However he refused to co-operate in the inquiries and again his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance and he was afforded another opportunity to co-operate in the investigation of his case but refused to do so. His case was referred to an appeals officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing of his appeal. Arrangements are being made to have the case heard at the earliest opportunity after which his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
731.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was not paid disability benefit between 25 July 1983 and September 1983.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 25 July 1983 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 3 October 1983 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 25 July 1983 to 23 September 1983 the date of the latest medical certificate before him. The appeals officer's decision is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh evidence.
732.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the percentage assessment granted in this case; and the amount payable.
The person concerned has been paid disablement benefit on the basis of provisional assessments of disablement in respect of the period from 24 April 1981 to 29 November 1984. Following a medical review on 14 November 1984 the extent of his disablement was assessed at 15 per cent final for life from 30 November 1984. He was awarded the appropriate disablement benefit of a gratuity amounting to £3,152 with an option of a pension of £8.52 a week for life instead if he so preferred. He was informed accordingly on 26 November 1984 and his response is awaited.
733.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick as she was cut off by a medical referee though she is quite disabled and is totally unfit for work; if this decision will be reconsidered; and if she will be examined by another medical referee.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 11 July 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 10 September 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. She will be notifed of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
734.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who was out of work from September because no work was available and she tried to obtain other duties but these were also unavailable; if this decision will be reconsidered; and if payments will be made to her.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 7 September 1984 but following the completion of inquiries 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 8 October 1984. The appeals officer allowed her appeal and her arrears due were paid to her on 16 November 1984. She last signed as unemployed on 22 September 1984.
735.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free telephone rental allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary.
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 on 28 November 1984. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department an early decision will be given in his case and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
736.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is unemployed and married with several children, only one of whom is recently employed, has only been granted £20.27 unemployment assistance; and if he will ensure that the appeal made by this man four weeks ago will now be determined favourably since he has no other income and was not granted supplementary benefit.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £20.20 weekly the appropriate rate £90.20 less means £70. His means were derived from self-employment as a painter. He recently obtained an appeal application form at his local office. When he completes and returns this form 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.
737.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an appeal for entitlement to unemployment benefit has not yet been decided for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin as she first applied in the first week of July and has supplied evidence of her availability for work.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of her unemployment benefit claim on 19 September 1984 and arrangements have been made to hold an oral hearing of her appeal on 12 December 1984. This was the earliest date on which a hearing of her case could be arranged. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
738.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the conditions that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking but unable to obtain employment. Following the completion of inquiries the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed for 6 weeks from 24 September 1984 and for a further six weeks from 5 November 1984 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment. He was notified of these disallowances of his unemployment assistance claim and of his right to appeal but he has not done so to-date.
739.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of children's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Following receipt of required medical evidence in the Department on 1 November 1984 it has been decided, in view of the extenuating circumstances of the case, to back date the award of children's allowance to February 1984, the month following that in which the child in question was born. A payable order in respect of the amount now due has been issued to the claimant's home address.
740.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying social welfare to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if this can now be expedited having regard to the fact that the subscriber is in a difficult financial situation.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 27 September 1984, fourth day of incapacity to 22 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. There was a delay which was caused by an administrative error in issuing benefit for the period 4 October 1984 to 1 November 1984. A cheque representing all benefit payable for this period was issued on 29 November 1984.
741.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the amount of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is only £98.61 per week in view of the fact that he has a wife and three children and that his average weekly wage for the 25 weeks preceding his unemployment was £111.37; and if he will indicate how his unemployment and pay-related benefit is calculated.
Entitlement to pay-related benefit with flat rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the weekly sum of pay-related benefit, flat rate unemployment benefit and income tax rebate may not exceed 85 per cent of the net average weekly earnings of a claimant.
The person concerned is in receipt of the maximum flat rate of unemployment benefit applicable to a person with an adult dependant and three child dependants amounting to £88.35 weekly. The 85 per cent limit applicable to him is £98.61 and accordingly the weekly amount of pay-related benefit to which he is entitled is limited to £10.26 weekly. Combined payments of £98.61 weekly continue to be made to him as they become due.
742.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of widow's pension is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £38.50. This is the rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years with no qualified children who has means exceeding £6 but not exceeding £8 per week. This pension has been in payment to her since the death of her late husband in 1976. Maximum pension is payable where the widow has weekly means of £6 or less.
In view of the Deputy's question a social welfare officer has been requested to reinvestigate the case and report on the claimant's circumstances. When the report is received she will be notified as to whether there is any change in her rate of pension.
743.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for payment of a funeral grant to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of her late husband.
A claim for death grant was received from the person concerned on 19 November 1984 and payment was issued on 30 November 1984.
744.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in hearing an appeal by a person (details supplied) in Cork against the decision of the medical referee to withdraw his invalidity pension almost four months ago.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 11 January 1980 to 8 December 1982 and was transferred to invalidity pension from 9 December 1982. To determine his continued entitlement to invalidity pension he was examined on 17 July 1984 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. Since the conditions for receipt of invalidity pension were no longer satisfied payment of the pension was discontinued from 2 August 1984. The person concerned appealed against this decision and was reexamined on 14 August 1984 by a different medical referee who again expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. The case was referred to an appeals officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the time and place fixed for the hearing when these arrangements have been completed. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
The delay in hearing the appeal has been caused by an increase in the numbers of appeals and everything possible is being done to relieve the situation. An additional appeals officer has been recently appointed and it is hoped to appoint another one in the near future.
745.
asked the Minister for Socail Welfare the date on which his Department received an unemployment assistance appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Laois and the reason for the delay in having the appeal investigated.
The person concerned lodged an appeal against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim on 10 April 1984 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. When these inquiries were completed his case was submitted to an appeals officer who decided on 23 May 1984 that the means of the applicant exceeded the statutory limit and disallowed his unemployment assistance claim. The applicant was notified accordingly on 7 June 1984.
It was recently ascertained that the person concerned requested a review of the assessment of his means about the end of July 1984 but due to a filing error his application was not associated with his claim. His case was referred to a social welfare officer last week for immediate inquiries and when these are completed his means will be reviewed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
746.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was cancelled in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will have this benefit restored as quickly as possible.
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.
747.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The maximum rate of unemployment assistance is payable to an applicant who is assessed with nil means. The person concerned was assessed with means at £13.85 weekly derived from capital and a pension. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed him with means at £13.85 weekly. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £40.95 weekly being the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £13.85.
748.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when children's allowance in respect of her son will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was awarded children's allowance in respect of her son up to June 1984 on the basis that he was in full time education. It was later ascertained that the child in question ceased full time education in June 1983 and as the claimant continued to cash children's allowance in respect of him up to and including June 1984 an overpayment of £135 occurred on the claim. This amount is being recovered by deduction from the claimant's current allowance at the rate of £12.05 per month and payment will be restored in November 1985 when the overpayment has been fully recovered.
In June 1984 the claimant submitted a further application in respect of the child in question on the grounds that he has commenced an apprenticeship in September 1983. However, children's allowance has not been payable in respect of apprentices since July 1983 and accordingly no children's allowance is payable on foot of the application.
749.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons social assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway despite the fact that she has no income and is in urgent need of permanent assistance; if he will direct his Department to make immediate payment; the date on which weekly payments and arrears will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned whose claim was received on 26 September 1984 has been awarded an unmarried mother's allowance with effect from 20 September 1984. An allowance book with orders payable from 4 October 1984 was sent to the designated post office for collection by her on 28 November 1984 and she was notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 20 September 1984 to 3 October 1984 will be sent direct to the claimant by payable order.
750.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free electricity allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
To be eligible for a free electricity allowance a person must either be living alone or be living with certain categories of persons only. A free electricity allowance cannot be granted to the person concerned as, on the information available to the Department, two of his sons are resident with him and they do not come within the categories for satisfying the living alone condition of the scheme.
751.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance at the maximum rate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £45.95 being the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £8.85 derived from a pension and capital. An appeals officer confirmed the means assessment on October 1983. It is open to him to apply for a reinvestigation of his means if he considers that a change has occurred in his circumstances which would warrant a revision of the means assessed against him. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office.
752.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He did not provide documentary evidence in connection with the disposal of capital as requested by the social welfare officer investigating his means. He appealed against this decision but an appeals officer also decided that he failed to disclose details of his means. He has been informed accordingly.
753.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the large amount of arrears due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork since she was awarded a contributory widow's pension on 27 April 1984 has not yet been paid to her.
A payable order for the arrears in question covering the period 27 April 1984 to 19 July 1984 and amounting to £310.90 will be sent to the person concerned inside the next few days. This is the net amount payable after making allowance for disability benefit and supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during the period in question. The delay in payment which arose from an administrative error is very much regretted.
754.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork had her free electricity allowance withdrawn.
The free electricity allowance which applied to the account of the person concerned was inadvertently withdrawn when she transferred from old age to widow's pension. The ESB has now been instructed to reapply the allowance to her electricity account from the date of termination.
755.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in reaching a decision on the application for unemployment assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Cork made in June 1984.
The entitlement to unemployment assistance of the person concerned could not be determined until investigations by the social welfare officer to enable her means to be assessed were completed. The social welfare officer made a number of void calls to her home address and to the home address of her sister before being able to interview her. It is expected that the inquiries will be completed this week after which her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
756.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the hearing of the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and when this appeal will be heard.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 7 May 1984, following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 4 July 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work.
Her case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing during the week commencing 17 December 1984. She will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made. The delay in hearing the appeal has been caused by an increase in the numbers of appeals and everything possible is being done to relieve the situation. An additional appeals officer has been recently appointed and it is hoped to appoint another in the near future.
757.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and when a decision will be made in this case.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 12 July 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 30 August 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case was then referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer decided that the claimant was not incapable of work during the period from 12 July 1984 to 1 November 1984 (the date of the latest medical certificate before him) and is not entitled to be paid benefit in respect of that period. The claimant was notified accordingly on 29 November 1984.
758.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a replacement pension book will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The old age pension book of 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 30 November 1984. Any inconvenience caused to the pensioner is regretted.
759.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £43.45 from 7 September 1984. This is the maximum rate of contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years with no qualified children. A pension book with orders payable from 7 December 1984 was issued to the designated post office on 27 November 1984 for collection by her.
Her late husband had been in receipt of invalidity pension at the weekly rate of £70.15, which included an increase in respect of his wife, and this pension was paid to her for six weeks after his death on 22 July 1984. Arrears for the period from 7 September 1984 to 6 December 1984, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her in that period, will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.
760.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment benefit which are outstanding for six weeks will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was in receipt of advances of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his unemployment benefit claim and when his claim was decided the amount of supplementary welfare allowance received by him had to be recouped to his local health board. The amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to him exceeded the rate of unemployment benefit payable and there are accordingly no arrears of unemployment benefit due to him. He is at present in receipt of a combined payment representing flat rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit at £96.94 weekly.
761.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be paid to persons (details supplied) in County Cork as they have a retarded child residing with them.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned was approved in January 1974 and the ESB have confirmed that the allowance is applying to her electricity account. A recent application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned was approved by my Department and the applicant was notified accordingly on 20 November 1984. Telecom Éireann have been advised of the decision and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which the applicant is provided with telephone service.
762.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has only been paid for the three out of six weeks pension to which she is entitled after her husband's death.
The husband of the person concerned was in receipt of old age contributory pension up to his death on 3 September 1984. Payment of this pension continued to be payable to his widow for the six week period up to 18 October 1984. The pension book containing four orders covering the period 7 September 1984 to 4 October 1984 was made payable to the widow and returned to her on 24 September 1984. An Post have confirmed that these orders have been cashed.
The renewal book for the October-March period had already been issued to the designated post office and, therefore, had to be recalled. This book was reissued to the person concerned on 1 November containing orders payable for the remaining two weeks. The Department have since been informed that this book was not received and arrangements are being made to pay the amount involved by payable order.
763.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied some time ago, as she has no means whatsoever.
A claim to widow's non-contributory pension by the person concerned was refused in July 1983 because her means, derived from the capital value of her interest in her late husband's estate, were assessed at £41.18 per week which exceeded the limit of £40 applicable to her at the time as a widow under 66 years of age without any qualified children. She appealed against the decision but the appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer.
She reapplied for pension in July this year and her claim was sent to a social welfare officer for investigation. However he called twice to the address given in the claim but failed to make contact with her. The officer was subsequently informed by the occupant of the house that the claimant had moved to a new address. The claim has been sent to a social welfare officer for the area where the widow now resides. When a report on her present circumstances is received her case will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome.
764.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not being paid the pay-related portion of his old age pension, which was granted to him from 5 November 1984; and the reason for the continuing deduction of PRSI.
The person concerned was awarded retirement pension at the maximum weekly rate of £84.25, including an increase of £36 in respect of his wife, from 8 November 1984 which was the first Thursday following his 66th birthday. He was in receipt of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit at a combined weekly rate of £84.50 up to that date.
Pay-related benefit is only payable to a person who is in receipt of unemployment benefit or disability benefit, neither of which is payable after the age of 66 years. PRSI Class K contributions are payable in respect of a person who is in receipt of an occupational pension. Class J contributions are payable if he is employed after he has reached age 66.
765.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Payment of unemployment assistance to the person concerned, who is a postal applicant, commenced on 15 November 1984 when an order issued to him for encashment at his local post office paying all arrears due from 5 November 1984 the date on which he claimed unemployment assistance at his local office. Further payments at £9.95 being the appropriate rate £29.95 less £20 means, derived from the value of board and lodging in his parent's home, are being made as they become due.
766.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the grave hardship being endured by a disabled person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if he will provide free telephone rental allowance immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned was approved by my Department. Telecom Eireann have been advised of the decision in the case and the allowance will appear on the applicant's next telephone account. A payable order in respect of rental due since the date of approval is in the course of issue to the applicant.
767.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
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.
768.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who was made redundant in 1972 and is only in receipt of invalidity pension of £42.55 per week; if he will have the matter investigated by a welfare officer and if prior notification of the officer's visit will be given to her.
The person concerned is in receipt of invalidity pension at the weekly rate of £42.55. This is the maximum rate of pension payable by my Department in respect of a single man who is under 66 years of age. If the person concerned is in need, he should apply to the local community welfare officer of the Eastern Health Board for further assistance.
769.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who has had a temporary filling put in a tooth will receive sanction to have the work completed, as the person has now been waiting five weeks and is being told each time they contact his Department that the file is before a particular person and that the authority will be forwarded immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A claim to dental benefit was received from the person concerned on 1 November 1984. This claim was approved and letters of authorisation were issued to both the claimant and her dentist on 19 November 1984. On 26 November 1984 she informed the Department by telephone that she had not received her notification. After confirming that the recorded address was correct a duplicate letter of authorisation was issued to her. Her dentist has now confirmed that she has been in touch with him to make arrangements for an early appointment to complete the course of treatment.
770.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age non-contributory pension at the maximum weekly rate of £62.05 from 14 September 1984 which includes an adult dependant allowance of £20.75 in respect of his wife. The appropriate pension book payable from 5 October 1984 issued on 27 November 1984, and a payable order covering arrears of pension due for the period 14 September to 28 September 1984 is in the course of issue.
771.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a claim for unemployment benefit will be investigated for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 7 June 1980 on the grounds that he did not fulfil the condition of being available for work. He subsequently claimed and received unemployment assistance as a smallholder with means assessed on the notional value of his holding until 21 February 1983 after which he was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit derived from the profit from his holding and his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed. If the person considers that he now fulfils the condition of being available for work, for unemployment benefit purposes, it is open to him to reapply for unemployment benefit by completing an application form at his local office. His claim would then be investigated and his entitlement to unemployment benefit would be determined.
772.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Donegal despite the fact that he has no income.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to furnish full particulars of his means to the social welfare officer. He recently appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and the matter is being referred to an appeals officer for reinvestigation. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
773.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be given a decision on his appeal against the reduction in his unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £7.70 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries.
These inquiries were completed recently and in the light of the social welfare officer's report a deciding officer in a revised decision reduced the amount of means assessed against him to £6.50 weekly effective from 25 July 1984. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £56.45 weekly the appropriate rate £62.95 less means £6.50. All adjusting arrears due were issued to him last week and payments of £56.45 will continue to be made as they become due. He has been informed of his right to appeal against this decision if he is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him.
774.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an application for unemployment assistance will be decided for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment exceeded the statutory limit. He applied to have his case reviewed and his case was referred to a social welfare officer. Inquiries are still being made in the matter but when these are completed the assessment of his means will be reviewed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
775.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who is now signing for approximately 20 weeks and to date has not been made aware of the decision.
The person concernd claimed unemployment assistance on 26 July 1984 and her claim was referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries into her means. These inquiries were extensive as the question of compensation due to her in connection with an accident had to be investigated. A further complication arose when she changed her address and the social welfare officer had difficulty in contacting her. These inquiries were completed recently and she was assessed with nil means. Accordingly she is entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum rate of £29.95 weekly. All arrears due to her were paid last week and weekly payments of £29.95 will continue to be made as they become due.
776.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of families who are receiving social welfare payments excluding children's allowances in the country at present; the number of families obtaining children's allowances in the country at present; the number of families who are receiving social welfare benefits excluding children's allowances who have one parent working either full time or part time.
The number of families in receipt of social welfare payments at the end of September 1984 was some 133,000 (excluding children's allowances). There are currently some 453,000 families receiving children's allowances. The information sought as to the employment status of social welfare families is not available.
777.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is not entitled to an orphan's pension for her 14 year old brother.
One of the conditions for payment of an orphan's pension is that the child in respect of whom the pension is claimed must be an "orphan" as defined in the Social Welfare Acts. In the case of the child in question the definition of orphan to be met is:
a qualified child one of whose parents is dead and whose surviving parent has abandoned him or refused or failed to provide for him.
The father of the child referred to in the question is alive and is prepared to provide for his son if he goes to live with him. The father cannot therefore be regarded as having abandoned the child or to have refused or failed to provide for him. In these circumstances the claim to orphan's pension was refused.
The person concerned appealed against this decision but the appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer on 8 March 1984. In the light of the details supplied by the Deputy, the person concerned should contact the local community welfare officer to see whether supplementary welfare allowance could be paid.
778.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £16.50 from 6 July 1984, which includes a living alone allowance of £3.20. This is the rate of pension to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of capital and income from self-employment. The appropriate pension books payable from 5 October 1984 and a payable order covering the arrears due for the period 6 July 1984 to 4 October 1984 issued on 30 November 1984.
779.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly from 11 November 1984 to 22 December 1984, in view of the fact that he received no word from the Department to appear before a medical referee.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 28 April 1980. He was requested to attend for a medical referee examination on 23 October 1984 but he failed to do so. The claimant stated that he did not receive notification to attend the medical referee examination. However it has been confirmed that notification was issued on 15 October 1984 to his correct address, the address to which his cheques have been issued.
The explanation of his non-attendance was not regarded as satisfactory and a six weeks disqualification was imposed from 12 November 1984. Arrangements are again being made to have him examined by a medical referee. His entitlement to payment of benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.
780.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been refused for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment and benefit from his wife's earnings, exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed against this 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 further inquiries. These have been completed and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
781.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of disability benefit was terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork as a consequence of information that was submitted by a doctor; and if this case will be re-examined and this person given a favourable response.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 24 February 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 2 July 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work.
His case, including the medical evidence supplied by the doctor referred to, was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer requested further medical advice and arrangements were made to have the claimant examined by another medical referee on 6 December 1984 in Mallow. His entitlement to further payment of disability benefit will be reviewed in the light of the result of this examination.
782.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons in each year since 1976 in receipt of deserted wife's benefit and deserted wife's allowance; and the number of children in each case.
The number of recipients of deserted wife's benefit and deserted wife's allowance, together with their child dependants in each year since 1976, was as follows:
|
At end of year |
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
Deserted Wife's Allowance |
||
|
Receipients |
Children |
Recipients |
Children |
|
|
1976 |
1,675 |
3,250 |
3,110 |
3,849 |
|
1977 |
1,992 |
3,630 |
3,176 |
4,140 |
|
1978 |
2,215 |
4,244 |
3,022 |
4,231 |
|
1979 |
2,525 |
4,722 |
2,856 |
3,937 |
|
1980 |
2,873 |
5,394 |
2,920 |
4,174 |
|
1981 |
3,124 |
5,735 |
3,063 |
4,431 |
|
1982 |
3,416 |
6,271 |
3,282 |
4,748 |
|
1983 |
3,825 |
6,922 |
3,478 |
5,224 |
|
At 31/10/84 |
4,376 |
7,923 |
3,770 |
5,657 |
783.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory old age pension book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned reached age 66 years on 16 September 1984. She claimed a contributory old age pension on 9 October 1984 and has been awarded this pension at the maximum rate with effect from 21 September 1984.
Her husband is in receipt of a contributory old age pension which includes an adult dependant's allowance in respect of her. This allowance will be withdrawn from 14 December by which date her contributory old age pension book will have been issued to the designated post office for collection by her. Arrears of her pension for the period from 21 September 1984 to 13 December, less the amount of the adult dependant's allowance paid in the same period, will be issued to her by payable order.
784.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following the assessment of the means of the person concerned at nil with effect from 23 November 1983 by an appeals officer he was paid unemployment assistance at the maximum rate payable to him £105.05 weekly from 2 July 1984.
He was however in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance during the period November 1983 to June 1984 which is due to be recouped to the local health board. There has been delay in establishing the specific amount to be recouped but as soon as inquiries have been completed the balance of any arrears of unemployment assistance which may be due will be paid.
785.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason arrears of social assistance allowance cannot be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry from the date of her application, 11 April 1978; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Arrears of single woman's allowance were paid to the person concerned for the period 11 April 1978 to 1 June 1978 on 11 August 1978. An allowance order book was issued to her from 2 June 1978. She refused to accept this allowance order book and subsequent books until 7 October 1982 from which date she accepted payment.
Under the regulations where payment of a sum is not obtained within six months of the date on which it is due the right to payment is extinguished. Payment cannot, therefore, now be made for the period from June 1978 to October 1982 in respect of which the person concerned refused payment.
786.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is not receiving unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance at the maximum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit. However his employment history is being investigated by a social welfare officer to establish whether all contributions due have been paid after which his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed.
He received unemployment assistance from 2 April 1984 to 19 June 1984 but his unemployment assistance was disallowed from 20 June 1984 on the grounds that by failing to reveal details of his capital he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He was advised of the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim, and of his right to appeal but he has not done so to date.
787.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 9 August 1984. The pension book payable from 6 December 1984 has been issued to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 9 August 1984 to 5 December 1984 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period will be paid by payable order.
788.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment benefit immediately to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit on 19 November 1984 in respect of an accident at work on 15 November. He was awarded disability benefit on an interim basis and this has been paid from 20 November, the fourth day of certified incapacity, to 23 November 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received.
The claim to injury benefit will be decided as soon as investigations into the accident are completed. There is no trace of receipt of any recent claim for unemployment benefit from him.
789.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary, as he is disabled and is not yet getting any disability benefit; when this benefit will be paid; the amount, and if the benefit will be retrospective.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 September 1984. He is not qualified for payment of benefit as he has less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1982-83, the contribution year governing his claim. According to the records of the Department he has only five credited contributions recorded for that year. He was informed of the position on 9 October 1984 and was requested to forward details of any additional contributions he may have had in the 1982-83 year. However, no reply has been received to date.
790.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
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 appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries were completed his case was referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer decided that in order to decide his means, further information was necessary. Consequently, his case was again referred to a social welfare officer for inquiries.
These inquiries which were extensive because of the nature of the information to be gathered in connection with expenses and bank accounts, will be completed this week, and his claim will again be referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
791.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment assistance at £3.50 per week will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make these payments from the date of the original deduction in the payment.
The person concerned was paid all arrears of unemployment assistance due to him on 27 September 1984. Weekly payments of £53.30, the appropriate rate, £54.80 less means £1.50, continue to be made as they become due.
792.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason only £3.64 travelling expenses for a 26 mile return journey, which is 14p per mile, was paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork to attend a medical referee's examination in Skibbereen and yet if he had to travel by hackney car to this, the taxi-driver would have been paid £47; if he will make a statement on travelling expenses paid to social welfare recipients who have to attend at the request of the State for examinations and use their own mode of transport; and the reason these rates are so much lower than those which would be paid to public transport and private hackney drivers.
A person who is requested by the Department to attend a medical referee examination is paid such reasonable and necessary travelling expenses as he incurs in that connection. The person concerned was requested to attend the medical referee centre at Skibbereen, County Cork, for examination on 8 November 1984. In accordance with the standard practice he was requested to use suitable public transport services if available and was informed that if such services were not available it was open to him to hire a hackney and submit a bill to the Department.
Subsequent to the examination he submitted an account for payment in respect of travel expenses for the use of his own car. A person who uses his own car for such travel is paid a standard travel allowance which at present is at the rate of 14p per mile. The total number of miles travelled was 26 and payment of the sum involved (£3.64) was made by cheque issued on 22 November.
793.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused a non-contributory old age pension.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to any old age pension as he does not fulfil the statutory conditions as to means. His means consisting of the weekly value of his British retirement pension exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
794.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is not being paid unemployment assistance from Tullamore exchange, in view of the fact that he only works 17½ hours per week.
A person is not deemed to be unemployed within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts on any day on which he works for wages or other remuneration. Following inquiries it was discovered that the person concerned was employed for three to four hours each day on five days each week and accordingly he was not entitled to unemployment assistance. He was notified of this decision by his local employment exchange. However, he became fully unemployed from 22 November 1984 and payment of unemployment assistance at the maximum rate appropriate to him as a married man, £54.80 weekly was resumed from that date.
795.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a contributory widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £67.90 with effect from 29 June 1984. This is the maximum rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years with two qualified children. Pension books with orders payable from 21 September 1984 have been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 29 June 1984 to 20 September 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.
796.
(Limerick West): asked the Minister for Social Welfare when invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
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.
797.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of the maximum amount of unemployment benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 15 November 1984 having received 390 days benefit. He cannot requalify for unemployment benefit until he resumes working for a further 13 weeks of insurable employment.
He was advised of his right to claim unemployment assistance following the exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit but has not done so.
798.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has appealed against a decision of a deciding officer in respect of unemployment benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 25 January 1982. Payment was disallowed from 26 November 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She has indicated that she wishes to appeal against the disallowance of benefit but she has not submitted any medical evidence of incapacity subsequent to the date of disallowance.
She has been informed of the need to submit medical evidence of incapacity from 26 November 1984. When it is received in the Department her appeal will be dealt with.
799.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 10 September 1984 but inquiries had to be made to ensure that she satisfied the contribution conditions. These inquiries were recently completed and her unemployment benefit claim was allowed at the maximum flat rate applicable in her case of £37.25 weekly. All arrears due were paid to her last week and further weekly payments of £37.25 will be made as they become due.