asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is signing for the past six months and is married with two children; and if he will make a statement on the matter having regard to the fact that the applicant is in financial difficulties.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
598.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means from self-employment as a musician he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit appropriate to him. He was informed accordingly and was also afforded a further opportunity to cooperate with the social welfare officer investigating his means but did not do so. If he is dissatisfied with the decision it is open to him to appeal. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
599.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a non-contributory widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned for a widow's non-contributory pension is under investigation at present by a local officer of the Department. When this officer's report is received a decision on the claim will be given without delay.
600.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has investigated an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who is seeking an increase in an old age pension; if he is aware of the substantial change in this person's means; and if he will indicate how the assessment was made.
The application of the person concerned for an increase in pension is under investigation at present by the social welfare officer. It is expected that the social welfare officer's inquiries will be completed shortly and the claim will be forwarded to a deciding officer for decision. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course. There is no appeal on hands in relation to this case.
601.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon is not in receipt of the full rate of contributory pension; and if he feels that there is some irregularity with regard to the amount of contribution this man made over the years.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension since 17 August 1984 at the rate appropriate to a yearly average of 40 reckonable contributions. His yearly average was calculated on the basis of a total of 1,249 such contributions shown for him in the Department's records for the period 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1984. He has since claimed that he had a higher number of contributions and this claim is being investigated by the local social welfare officer. His entitlement will be reviewed when the investigation is complete.
602.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pensioner (details supplied) in County Roscommon had his pension reduced; how his means were assessed against him; and if he is aware that this man has signed over all his land to his son.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £34 from 8 June 1984 which includes £11.40 adult dependant allowance. This rate increased to £38.05 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of half the weekly value of capital and a letting value of a holding.
In the light of new facts regarding the holding, the Deputy's representations have been accepted as an application for an increase in pension and the matter is being referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. When his investigations have been completed the matter will be decided on and the pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
603.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £25.80 from 28 September 1984 which includes an adult dependant allowance of £5.75 in respect of his wife and a dependent child allowance of £8.75. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of half the weekly value of a holding. The appropriate pension book payable from 5 October 1984 issued on 6 December 1984 and a payable order covering arrears of pension due is in the course of issue.
604.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare how means were assessed against a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon for old age pension purposes and how much income this person is deemed to have.
The person concerned transferred part of his holding to his daughter. The assessment of his means includes the proportion appropriate to the part he has retained of the net profit from this holding after deduction of all expenses actually and necessarily incurred in connection with running the farm. This amounts to £58.19 a week. The weekly value of capital held brings his total weekly means to £66.02. The statutory means limit for entitlement to pension is £44 a week.
605.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension has not as yet been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who applied on 15 August and was interviewed by the pension officer on 20 September; and if he will have an immediate decision made granting old age pension to the person.
Investigation of the claim to old age pension by the person concerned was delayed due to her absence from the State following receipt of her claim. Pension at the maximum rate of £41.30 a week has been awarded with effect from 28 September 1984. Her husband's pension at the married rate of £62.05 has to be adjusted before payment may be made. When his pension book is received, books at the rate of £41.30 a week will issue to each of them and a payable order in respect of the arrears due will also issue.
606.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date on which a person (details supplied) in County Cavan applied for unemployment assistance; and when a decision will be made.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 29 November 1983 and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for an investigation of his means. Following prolonged inquiries his claim was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his income he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He was notified of the decision on 24 July 1984. He completed an appeal application form but this form appears to have been lost in postal transit. He obtained a further appeal application but later informed his local office that he had mislaid it and requested a further application form. This application form was issued to him recently and when he completes and returns it his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination after which his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed.
607.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been cut off disability benefit as he is totally unfit for work and is at present in the process of being re-hospitalised; if payments will be made; and if they will be retrospective.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 21 May 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined on 10 September 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. He will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made. The claimant submitted hospital certificates for the period 25 June 1984 to 28 June 1984, and payment was issued for this period.
608.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance payments have been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary as he is married with three children and has no land; and when full payment will be restored to him.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at £64.50 weekly being the appropriate rate £79.50 less £15 means. Following a recent review of his case his means were reduced to nil with effect from 15 November 1984. Accordingly, he is entitled to unemployment assistance at £79.50 from that date and arrangements have been made to pay adjusting arrears due to him this week. Further payments at £79.50 weekly will be made as they become due.
609.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been cut off disability benefit as he is still seriously ill with a clotting problem, is attending a specialist, is on anti-coagulants and is totally unfit for work; when these payments will be resumed; the amount which will be paid; and if payments will be retrospective.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 17 September 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 23 October 1984 by a different medical referee who also considered him to be capable of work. His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of the case. He will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
610.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the system and criteria used in assessing this person's income and arriving at this decision; if he will now direct his Department to restore this assistance to this person immediately; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. The decision to disallow his unemployment assistance claim was made on the basis of a social welfare officer's report which showed the gross profit of his holding less the expenses incurred in earning his income and the net amount of earnings on which means were assessed. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him 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 inquiries were recently completed and the case papers are at present in postal transit to headquarters for submission to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
611.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons an old age pension has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the system and criteria used in assessing this person's income; if he will give a detailed breakdown of the income assessed; if he will now direct his Department to make weekly pension payments to this person; and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that he does not fulfil the statutory condition as to means. The assessment of his means (£51.11 a week), consisting of half the weekly value of a holding (£48.08) and capital (£3.03) exceed the statutory limit of £44 a week for entitlement to pension. The means derived from his holding represent a gross annual income of £19,899 less expenses actually and necessarily incurred in connection with running the farm amounting to £14,899. He is assessed with half the net profit thus obtained and his spouse is assessed with the other half.
612.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on a disabled person's maintenence allowance will receive her free travel pass; and the reason for not issuing this to her when she first qualified for the disabled person's maintenance allowance.
A free travel pass was first issued to the person concerned in 1977 when the scheme was extended to disabled person's maintenance allowance recipients. In 1982, she reported the loss of her pass and a replacement pass was issued to her. She has not been in touch with the Department since then but in view of the Deputy's question she is being contacted and any necessary action will be taken on receipt of her reply.
613.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for immediate payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 for a three-week period of illness in the summer of 1983.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance from January 1983 to December 1983 and she was paid in full for that year. She claimed disability benefit from 14 February 1984 to 27 February 1984 but as her record at that time showed that she had not sufficient contributions paid during 1982-83 benefit was not paid. It has since been ascertained that the person concerned was entitled to 52 credited contributions for 1982-83 and all benefit payable from 17 February 1984, the fourth day of incapacity, to 27 February 1984, has been issued to her.
614.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether a free electricity allowance has been approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
An application for a free electricity allowance which was received from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the November-December 1984 billing period onwards.
615.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to an application for an increase in a widow's pension from a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned has been awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of £46.25 with effect from 13 July 1984, the date of receipt of her application. This is the rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years who has three qualified children and whose weekly means exceed £32 but do not exceed £34. The claimant's weekly means, derived from the value of capital, were assessed at £32.20.
A pension book with orders payable from 5 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 13 July 1984 to 4 October 1984 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order. The claimant had previously been in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension from the date of her husband's death in June 1973 but this pension was terminated in February 1974 because her means exceeded the limit then applicable for receipt of pension.
616.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason free fuel for 1984 has been refused to persons (details supplied) in County Cork although they were granted free fuel in 1983; and if he will have the matter reconsidered.
It is understood from the Southern Health Board, who are responsible for the administration of the national fuel scheme in the Cork area, that the application for a fuel allowance from the person concerned who is a pensioner residing with two other persons both of whom are in receipt of social welfare payments has now been allowed and a payment is in course of issue to her.
617.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on unemployment assistance and is now hospitalised and has no means has been refused supplementary welfare allowance.
One of the conditions which an applicant for unemployment assistance must satisfy is that she is capable of work. The person concerned received unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £29.95 up to 4 December 1984 after which she was admitted to hospital and payment of unemployment assistance was terminated. Her local health board have no record of receipt of an application for supplementary welfare allowance. However she would not qualify for payment of supplementary welfare allowance while maintained in hospital but it would be open to her to claim on discharge.
618.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of non-contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as he applied in July 1984, and to date has not been aware of a decision on the matter.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £70.80 which includes an adult dependant allowance of £20.75 plus a dependent child allowance of £8.75. Notification of the decision issued to the pensioner on 12 December 1984. The appropriate pension books payable from 7 December 1984 issued on 11 December 1984 and a payable order covering arrears of pension due for the period 26 October 1984 to 6 December 1984 will be issued shortly. The delay in dealing with this case is due to the fact that the person concerned claimed contributory old age pension. It was not until it had been established that he was not entitled to that pension that arrangements were made to investigate his entitlement to a non-contributory pension.
619.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he is aware that he is unable to find his place of registration of birth; and if he will suggest how the problem of birth registration can be solved as this person is positively 67 years of age, currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance and has been informed by the local community welfare officer that he will not make any further payments to him if the matter is not resolved.
The person concerned claimed an old age contributory pension on 12 November 1984. His insurance record shows that he would have an entitlement to an old age contributory pension, at a reduced rate, on reaching age 66. According to the records of the Department he entered insurance in January 1936 and quoted his date of birth at that time as November 1919, but did not give any verification of this. He has, however, now quoted his date of birth on his claim form for pension as 14 September 1918. In the circumstances, since a birth certificate is not available, the Department would be prepared to accept a baptismal certificate or other reliable written evidence which he might be able to obtain, for example, a certified extract from old school records. The person concerned has been notified to this effect.
620.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment assistance has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Clare despite the fact that this man has been signing for some time; if he is aware of this man's financial situation; if he will direct his Department to make immediate payments to this person; the date and amounts, both weekly and arrears, which this man will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the means assessed against him, £42.65 weekly derived from the profit from his holding and from self-employment exceeded the appropriate maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and the appeals officer requested further information regarding his means. The case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries are now completed and his case has been 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.
631.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons disability benefit or other benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will direct his Department to make immediate arrears and weekly payments; the amounts of both; the date these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has been paid disability benefit from 19 October, fourth day of incapacity to 4 December 1984, the date of the latest medical certificate received. There are no arrears outstanding in the case.
622.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment benefit or other benefits have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who is in part time work, despite the fact that others in similar employment are being paid these supplementary benefits; if he will now direct his Department to make immediate payments including all arrears; the date that these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on that matter.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year. According to the Department's records the person concerned has only 12 weeks of insurable employment during the contribution period 6 April 1982 to 5 April 1983 which governed her entitlement to payment of unemployment benefit from 22 October 1984. Accordingly her claim was disallowed and she was notified of the decision on 29 November 1984.
623.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, despite the fact that he was signing for about two months in August and September; the amount to be paid; the date of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was employed as a mart worker following the exhaustion of his title to unemployment benefit on 28 March 1984 when he received benefit for 390 days. He claimed unemployment benefit from 22 August 1984 to 21 September 1984 but his entitlement to unemployment benefit cannot be determined until the inquiries which are being made at present to establish whether his employment is appropriate to a contribution class which provides cover against unemployment have been completed. His unemployment benefit claim will be determined in the light of the outcome.
624.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 21 May 1984 to 2 July 1984. He was not qualified on his available record at the time as he had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions in the 1982-83 contribution year. It has now been established that he had 44 contributions in this year and a cheque for all arrears of benefit has been issued to him.
625.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the eligibility of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath for a supplementary pension.
The person concerned claimed a retirement pension on 7 November 1984. He reached age 65 on 8 May 1984. One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of a retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts, requires a person to have a yearly average of at least 24 reckonable contributions over the period from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from his year of entry into insurance under the Acts, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age. The person concerned does not satisfy this condition as the Department's records show that he had a total of 259 Irish contributions in the relevant period, equal to a yearly average of only eight. Neither will he qualify for old age contributory pension under the Social Welfare Acts at age 66; a yearly average of at least 20 is required for this latter pension.
The person concerned also has a total of 1329 British contributions since 1953. Under EC regulations where a person has been employed in another member state his insurance record in that State may be combined with his Irish record to enable him to qualify for a pro-rata retirement pension calculated on the basis of his number of Irish contributions in proportion to the combined total.
In accordance with these regulations he has been awarded a pro-rata retirement pension with effect from 10 May 1984 on the basis of his 259 Irish contributions in proportion to the combined total of 1588. The weekly rate payable to him is £7.35 from 10 May 1984, increased to £7.85 from 5 July 1984. A pension book containing orders payable at the latter rate from 4 October 1984 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. The arrears from 10 May 1984 will be issued within the next few days. He is not entitled to an increase in pension in respect of his wife as she is in receipt of a non-contributory pension at a rate which is higher than the adult dependant allowance to which he would otherwise be entitled. He is also in receipt of a retirement pension from the British Department of Health and Social Security.
626.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of children's allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The allowance book in question was issued in the normal way in June 1984, to the post office nominated by the claimant but it was returned to the Department in November 1984 as she failed to collect it. However, following receipt of confirmation that the claimant was still eligible for allowance the book was re-issued to her home address.
627.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate further the allocation of appropriate benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Longford.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit as a postal applicant from 7 March 1983 to 3 May 1983. She did not satisfy the contribution conditions during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982 and her claim was disallowed. She appealed against the decision in her case but an appeals officer also disallowed her unemployment benefit claim on the grounds that she did not satisfy the contribution conditions and she was notified accordingly. She has not been in touch with her local office since 3 May 1983.
628.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon is in receipt of unemployment assistance when he should be in receipt of unemployment benefit; when the decision was made to grant unemployment assistance instead of unemployment benefit; when the appeal was lodged by the said person; and when the appeal will be examined.
An applicant for unemployment benefit who is a landholder but does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 contributions paid in a three year period is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily. The person concerned is a landholder who does not satisfy the 78 contributions condition. His case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of the income of his holding and inquiries are still being made in the matter. When the investigations are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the income derived specifically from his holding. In the interim, unemployment assistance is being paid at the weekly rate of £23.60 being the maximum rate applicable to a married man with one dependent child with means of £33.65 assessed against him.
629.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who has no income; and if he will explain how it is justified that free board and lodgings should be provided to this person by her cousin; and how this person's means are assessed.
Under the legislation governing the unemployment assistance scheme the value of benefit which an applicant derives from board and lodgings in a relative's home must be taken into account as means. The amount assessed for this purpose depends on the income enjoyed in the household and each case is determined on its own particular merits. The person concerned was assessed with means at £20 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on her cousin's holding. She is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £11.75, being the appropriate rate payable to her £31.75 less means £20.
Her case was last reviewed on 26 October 1984 when her means were reinvestigated by a social welfare officer and following this she was again assessed with means at £20 weekly. It is open to her to appeal against the amount of means assessed against her and to have her case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained at her local office.
630.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a prescribed relative's allowance was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and when he expects a decision will be made on the appeal submitted some time ago.
It was decided on 18 January 1984 that the person concerned was not entitled to prescribed relative allowance from 6 January 1984 as the conditions of the scheme were no longer satisfied in her case. The condition which provides that the prescribed relative must not be engaged in employment outside the home of the applicant was not fulfilled. This decision was upheld by an appeals officer on 30 March 1984. The pensioner reapplied for the allowance on 28 September 1984. Inquiries by the social welfare officer established that the circumstances had changed and that these conditions were again satisfied. The allowance was, accordingly, restored from 28 September 1984 and payment of all arrears due from that date has now been made.
631.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; how his means are being assessed; and if he is aware of the heavy financial committments in this case.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance £7.60 weekly being the appropriate rate £94.15 less £86.55 means 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 recently completed and his case has been submitted to an appeals officer. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
632.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and how his means are assessed.
Following a review of his case the person concerned was assessed with means at £43.45 weekly derived from the profit from land with effect from 4 April 1984. However, in the light of the applicant's contentions about the value of his land and the disposal of his capital the assessment of his means was later revised to £26.15 from 4 April 1984. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £32.15 weekly from 4 April 1984 increased to £36.80 from 4 July 1984 to 22 September 1984 and all arrears due were paid to him on 12 November 1984. He attained the age of 66 years on 23 September 1984 and unemployment assistance ceased to be payable. He is at present in receipt of old age pension.
633.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the sum of only £3.45 unemployment assistance was granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and from what source this person's means were assessed.
Following investigation of her unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £26.50 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on her father's holding. She was therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £3.45 being the appropriate rate payable to her £29.95 less means £26.50. She appealed against the means assessment in her case and arising from contentions raised in the appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries are not yet completed and when they are the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to her will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer. She ceased signing as unemployed at her local office on 25 September 1984.
634.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare how means were assessed for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and from what source his means were assessed.
The means of the person concerned were assessed on the basis that the benefit accruing to him from his wife's earnings was £56.67 weekly. He was also deemed to have a net annual profit from his holding of £1,000 after allowing for expenses incurred in earning this income. The income from both sources represents a total income of £3,946.80 per annum which exceeds the statutory limit for receipt of unemployment assistance in his case. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision, and he will be informed accordingly.
635.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made to grant an increase in widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who appealed that her pension be increased recently.
The person concerned was awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the rate of £23.85 per week from 15 June 1984 increased to £26.50 per week from 6 July 1984. These are the rates of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children and whose weekly means exceed £18 but do not exceed £20. The means of the person concerned, derived from a farm holding (of which she is the joint owner with one of her sons) and some capital were assessed at £19.31 per week. She appealed against the decision and the statement submitted by her in support of her appeal has been sent to an appeals officer for determination of her claim. The claimant will be notified of the appeals officer's decision as soon as it comes to hand.
636.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made to grant an increase in unemployment assistance payments to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who has lodged an appeal in his local office; how means are being assessed; and from what source his means have been assessed.
The person concerned was assessed with means at £38.45 weekly derived from the profit from land with effect from 1 August 1984. He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £33.80 weekly being the appropriate rate £72.25 less £38.45 means. Due to a clerical error the rate of unemployment assistance payable was incorrectly recorded on the claim documents and he was paid unemployment assistance at £1.80 weekly instead of £33.80 weekly. This mistake was recently rectified and arrangements have been made to pay adjusting arrears due this week. Further weekly payments at £33.80 will be made as they become due. The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him. Arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case was referred to a social welfare officer for additional inquiries which are still being made in the matter. When these are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
637.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon, in view of the fact that all his children are still attending school.
An increase in the rate of unemployment benefit payable in respect of a qualified child ceases to be payable when the child attains the age of 18 years whether or not such a child is still attending school. The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment benefit. One of his children attained the age of 18 years on 9 September 1984 and accordingly the flat-rate of unemployment benefit payable to him £88.35 weekly was reduced to £80.15 from that date.
638.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made to grant an increase in unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who lodged an appeal in his local office.
The person concerned recently applied for a review of his means and the social welfare officer called to interview him. However, he failed to supply the officer with details of his stock and farm income. Arrangements are being made to afford him with another opportunity of co-operating with the social welfare officer after which his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome. In the meantime he is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £24.50 weekly.
639.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned reapplied for unemployment assistance on 5 April 1984 and was assessed with means of £30.75 weekly derived from profit from a holding. He was therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £24.80 increased to £28.65 from 4 July 1984. His son reached 18 years of age on 22 September 1984 and the payment of unemployment assistance was reduced to £20.95 from that date. No increase in unemployment assistance is payable for a qualified child after he attains 18 years of age. Weekly payments are continuing to be made as they fall due.
640.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned was approved in February 1977 and the ESB have confirmed that the allowance is applying to her electricity account.
641.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will reconsider granting a free electricity allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
A free electricity allowance cannot be granted to the person concerned as the pension which she is receiving from the Department of Education is not one of the specified payments which would enable her to qualify for this benefit.
642.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the pension or benefit to which a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is entitled following his service in the Department of Defence.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 11 March 1982 and is currently paid to 15 December 1984. The claimant has been referred for examination by a medical referee to determine his suitability for a transfer to an invalidity pension.