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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1985

Vol. 359 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

602.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when three weeks' payments of a contributory old age pension will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

Arrears of contributory old age pension payable in respect of the three week period from 15 March 1985 to 4 April 1985 were issued to the person concerned by payable order on 22 May 1985.

603.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will allow a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on disability benefit to transfer to a long term illness benefit since her illness is a result of a nervous disorder from which she is likely to suffer for many years.

The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 4 August 1984 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. Arrangements have been made to have payment issued at regular weekly intervals on receipt of monthly medical evidence as long as she remains incapable of work.

Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. In order that a person may be considered permanently incapable of work, it is necessary for her to, inter alia, have been continuously incapable of work for a period of one year. It is also noted that the person concerned is in receipt of pay-related benefit at the rate of £15.73 per week in addition to disability benefit. As pay-related benefit is not payable in conjunction with invalidity pension it is not to her advantage to be transferred to invalidity pension until her entitlement to pay-related benefit has been exhausted on 4 November 1985. In addition it will be necessary to have her examined by a medical referee for an opinion as to her future capacity for work.

604.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the payment of arrears of an unmarried mother's allowance due to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

A payable order for the arrears of unmarried mother's allowance for the period from 31 January 1985 to 3 April 1985, less an adjustment in respect of unemployment benefit paid to her by the Department during that time, has now been sent to the person concerned.

605.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the delay in the payment of benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

The person concerned was awarded injury benefit from 8 March 1985 resulting from an accident at work on that day. All benefit including pay-related benefit has been paid to the date of the latest medical certificate received.

Payments of benefit have issued regularly on receipt of medical certificates with the exception of the first payment when a duplicate medical certificate was required and resulted in a delay.

606.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the very small amount of unemployment assistance which is at present being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.

The person concerned was assessed with means at £24.60 weekly derived from the value of board and lodgings on his uncle's holding. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £7.15 weekly, the appropriate rate £31.75 less £24.60 means.

He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case is being referred to an appeals officer for determination. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

607.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in the sanctioning of free telephone rental for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.

The application for free telephone rental allowance scheme from the person concerned was approved on 21 September 1984 and she was notified accordingly at that time. Telecom Éireann are aware of the decision in this case and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which she is provided with telephone service.

608.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of disability benefit was discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who is now receiving such a small amount of unemployment money; and if he can have this case reviewed for purposes of allocation of an invalidity pension bearing in mind the recurring ill health suffered by the applicant.

Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment, entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks. According to the records of the Department the person concerned has only 78 contributions paid on his behalf since entry into insurance. He claimed disability benefit from 26 March 1984 and was paid to 27 March 1985 after which date his 52 week entitlement became exhausted. In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for him to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid.

The claimant has indicated that he was employed in Britain from 1973 to 1978 and his insurance record has been requested from the British authorities. When this information comes to hand his entitlement to disability benefit will be reviewed.

In order to qualify for an invalidity pension he would need to have a minimum of 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 28 March 1985. Assistance totalling £15.05 was awarded based on a previously held qualification certificate which showed his means to be £39.75 per week, thereby bringing his total income to the appropriate weekly rate of £54.80.

609.

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

The person concerned has not claimed unemployment benefit. However, he applied for unemployment assistance and his claim was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment exceeded the statutory limit.

He recently appealed against the disallowance of his claim and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

610.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a pension has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan.

Following a routine investigation of the old age pension entitlements of the person concerned it was discovered that her means consisting of half the weekly value of a holding and her husband's county council pension had increased since the date of her last assessment. Accordingly the social welfare officer recommended a reduction in her weekly rate of old age pension.

Her old age pension book has been recalled and when this has been returned the matter will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course.

611.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application of a person (details supplied) for smallholders' unemployment assistance.

The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation into his means. These investigations were recently completed and he has been assessed with £39.85 means derived from land and capital. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £19.55 weekly being the maximum rate £59.40 less means £39.85. All arrears due were paid to him on 30 May 1985. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.

612.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received disability benefit.

Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks. According to the records of the Department the person concerned has only 120 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance and exhausted her 52 week entitlement on 30 August 1983. In order to requalify for disability benefit it will be necessary for her to have at least a further 13 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions are paid.

613.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received disability benefit.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 10 April 1985 but was not qualified for payment as she did not have the required minimum of 26 contributions recorded in the 1983-84 year which governed her claim. She has 17 contributions paid in that year.

The claimant indicated that she was employed in Britain during 1983-84 and when details of her British insurance record were received payment was allowed from 10 April 1985. All benefit payable to 21 May 1985, the date of the latest medical evidence received, has been issued.

614.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the non-payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford despite the fact he was on an AnCO training course in England and received no credits while he was there.

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit up to 17 May 1985 when he exhausted his entitlement to 390 days benefit. He will not requalify for unemployment benefit until he resumes employment for a period of not less than 13 weeks with contributions paid at the appropriate class providing cover against unemployment.

According to the Department's records he has only five weeks of requalifying insurable employment. The class of contributions paid in respect of the period he attended an AnCO course, from 9 February 1985 to 3 May 1985, do not reckon towards requalification.

He made an application for unemployment assistance on 23 May 1985 and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries have been completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.

615.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay a death grant to the relatives of a deceased person (details supplied) in County Cork.

There is no trace of a claim for a death grant having been received in this case. An application form for the grant has been issued to the representatives of the person concerned.

616.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay maternity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

According to the Department's records the person concerned has insufficient contributions in either the 1983-84 or 1984-85 contribution years to qualify her for payment of maternity benefit. She was informed of this on 29 April 1985 and was requested to forward any additional information which she might have regarding her contribution record. There has been no response to date.

617.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary as apparently it is alleged that he has insufficient contributions which from our information is not so; when will this be paid; and the amount that will be paid.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 January 1985. There was a delay in issuing payment while his insurance record for the 1983-84 contribution year was being examined. It was subsequently established that he had a total of 29 contributions registered for the 1983-84 year and was entitled to payment of benefit at the appropriate weekly rate of £57.50.

All benefit payable to the person concerned has been issued to 21 May 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received.

618.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a free electricity allowance.

An application for a free electricity allowance received from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from the date he became the registered consumer at his residence.

619.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when pay-related unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and the amount of arrears which will be paid to her.

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.

The person concerned was employed in the UK during the governing contribution year 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 and her entitlement to unemployment benefit could not be established until inquiries had been made to ascertain her contribution record in that country. These inquiries have now been completed and her claim was allowed at the weekly flat rate unemployment benefit £30.90 and pay-related benefit £10.09.

She is a postal claimant and an order for £370.80 paying all arrears of flat rate unemployment benefit issued to her on 9 May 1985. A further order for £225.69 paying all arrears of pay-related benefit plus a current week's payment of unemployment benefit issued to her on 16 May 1985. She has since been paid at £40.99 weekly and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.

620.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an increase in unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who is at present in receipt of £41 per week.

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit up to 12 May 1985 when he exhausted his entitlement to benefit. He applied for unemployment assistance on 13 May 1985 and his claim was put into payment at the weekly rate of £41.95 being the appropriate rate £62.95 less means £21.

As the means were based on a qualification certificate issued to him in April 1983 his case was referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of his means. When the investigations are completed the amount of means assessed against him will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him determined accordingly.

621.

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

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance cannot be determined until extensive inquiries, at present being made by a social welfare officer, have been completed. These inquiries will be completed this week and her case will then be referred to a deciding officer for assessment of her means.

Her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the amount of means assessed against her. In the meantime she is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of her unemployment assistance claim.

622.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a decision on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on retirement and a pension from the USA; and if he will grant him free electricity and television allowance and a free travel pass.

There is no record in the Department of receipt of an application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned. From the information available, however, he is not in receipt of a qualifying payment which would enable him to qualify for either a free electricity allowance or a free television licence.

A free travel pass was issued to him in May 1983. If this pass has been lost or stolen, he should complete the replacement pass form which has been issued to him. On receipt of this form in the Department, a replacement pass will be issued.

623.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be completed.

An appeals officer in May 1984 determined the means of the person concerned at £30.65 weekly derived from capital and from the profit from his holding. As the means assessed against him exceeded the maximum rate payable he was not entitled to payment. He last proved unemployment on 20 September 1983. If he wishes to reapply for unemployment assistance he should call to his local office and make an application. Any such application will be fully investigated.

624.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted on appeal to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in whose case payment was discontinued about six months ago.

The person concerned appealed the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim in August 1984 but an appeals officer also determined that his means derived from land exceeded the statutory limit. Accordingly he was not entitled to unemployment assistance.

He recently applied for a review of his means and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the outcome of these investigations.

625.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension book will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable to work. The person concerned has been awarded an invalidity pension from 9 May 1985, the Thursday following the completion of claim form. A pension book payable from 25 July 1985 will be issued to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 9 May 1985 to 24 July 1985 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period will be paid by payable order as soon as possible.

626.

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

The person concerned was awarded occupational injury benefit from 26 June 1984 and all benefit due was paid for the maximum injury benefit period of 26 weeks. He claimed disablement benefit in March 1985. Following investigations disablement pension was awarded from 28 December, the end of the injury benefit period. He was also awarded increase of disablement pension by way of unemployability supplement from the same date. His combined payments are subject to a statutory earnings limit and all benefit due within the limit has been paid to date.

627.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age contributory pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.

The person concerned submitted a claim for a retirement pension on 11 January 1985. One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of this 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, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age. The Department's records show that he had a total of 311 reckonable contributions in the relevant period which, in his case, is from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1984. This is equal to a yearly average of only ten, and, therefore, he does not qualify for a retirement pension. Neither did he qualify for an old age contributory pension on reaching age 66 on 10 May 1985. A yearly average of at least 20 is required for this latter pension.

The British Department of Health and Social Security have been asked to trace his record of British insurance from the details which he supplied. In the meantime his claim to a non-contributory pension is being investigated.

628.

Mr. Coughlan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason there has been such a long delay in having payment of unemployment assistance to 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 appealed against the disallowance 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 which were extensive will be completed this week and his case will then 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. He is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.

629.

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

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the conditions that a person must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited at the appropriate rate in the contribution period governing his entitlement to benefit.

According to the Department's records the person concerned did not satisfy the contribution condition during the contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governed entitlement to unemployment benefit on his claim of 18 February 1985. His claim was accordingly disallowed.

He also claimed unemployment assistance from 18 February 1985 and inquiries are being made to establish if he satisfies the condition of being fully available for work. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be considered in the light of the outcome of these inquiries.

630.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 was not paid the full six weeks old age pension for himself and his wife after she died in view of the fact that where a husband predeceases his wife the amount is payable for six weeks until the widow's pension is given.

The person concerned is in receipt of retirement pension. There is no provision in the Social Welfare Acts for payment of the increase in retirement pension in respect of an adult dependant for any period after the death of the adult dependant. Payment of pension for six weeks after the death of a pensioner is only allowable to the widow of a deceased pensioner. The wife of the person concerned died on 29 March 1985 and the increase in his pension in respect of her was not payable after that date. He was awarded a living alone allowance with effect from 4 April 1985.

631.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a social welfare PRSI refund to issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 without further delay.

The person concerned has been notified that a refund issued to his employer on 29 May 1985. He has been advised to claim his share of the refund from his employer.

632.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for a contributory old age pension to issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who was informed in 1972 that if he made certain contributions, which he did, on top of the contributions he had been making since 1929, that he would be given entitlement to a contributory old age pension; or, alternatively, if he will arrange for a non-contributory pension to issue as this has already been investigated by his Department.

One of the qualifying conditions for the receipt of a contributory old age pension requires the claimant to have a yearly average of at least 20 qualifying contributions from 5 January 1953 or year of entry into insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before he reaches pension age.

The Department's records show that the person concerned had a total of 54 contributions in the relevant period which, in his case, is from 5 January 1953 to 31 December 1976. This is equal to a yearly average of only two and, therefore he does not qualify for contributory old age pension.

He was appointed to a permanent and pensionable post in the public service in 1954 and his employment then became insurable at a modified rate which provides cover for a restricted range of benefits. This modified rate does not include any element of cover for contributory old age pension or retirement pension and is not reckonable for either pension.

When his employment ceased to be insurable because his salary exceeded the insurance ceiling which applied in respect of non-manual employees up to 31 March 1974 he paid voluntary contributions at a low rate which does not provide cover for contributory old age pension. He claimed a non-contributory old age pension in 1981. This was disallowed because his means exceeded the statutory limit. If he wishes to renew that application he should submit a fresh claim form to the Department.

633.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is aged 63, lives alone and receives a deserted wife's allowance for a free telephone rental allowance; and if necessary, if he will consider this category of person living alone for such allowance.

The free telephone rental allowance is intended to enable aged or incapacitated pensioners to have access to aid in an emergency. The scheme applies to persons aged 66 years and over who are in receipt of a qualifying social welfare type pension or allowance and to persons under that age who are in receipt of an invalidity or blind pension from the Department or a disabled person's maintenance allowance from a health board, provided the person fulfills the living alone conditions of the scheme.

The application from the person concerned was disallowed as she is under 66 years of age and is not in receipt of a qualifying payment. She was notified accordingly on 30 April 1985. To extend the scheme to include persons under 66 who are not in receipt of a pension or allowance due to a permanent incapacity would alter the nature of this and the other free schemes administered by the Department and would have significant cost implications. Such an extension cannot therefore be contemplated in present circumstances.

634.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on a claim for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.

It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person named in the details supplied. Further investigations in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.

635.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider arranging for benefit to be paid to unemployed adults while they attend courses for educational purposes as some of them are being refused benefit while doing so as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 2 January 1985 and payment has been made to 29 May 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received. In addition she is in receipt of pay-related benefit at a rate of £11.50 per week from 23 January 1985, the nineteenth day of incapacity.

As far as unemployment benefit or assistance is concerned entitlement to these payments is subject to the condition that the claimant is available for work.

Where an applicant satisfies a deciding officer that his participation in an educational programme is not inconsistent with fulfilling the condition of being available for work payment of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance may be allowed subject to all other conditions being satisfied.

636.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 was only given 13 weeks paid maternity leave.

The person concerned claimed maternity benefit under the scheme for women in current employment. This scheme provides for payment of maternity benefit for 14 weeks. To claim the maximum benefit it is necessary to start maternity leave at least four weeks before the end of the week in which the baby is due. The person concerned chose to start her maternity leave three weeks before the baby was due and so could qualify only for 13 weeks payment.

637.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied for unemployment assistance 18 weeks ago will receive payment.

The person concerned is not an applicant to unemployment assistance. However she claimed unemployment benefit on 21 January 1985. Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work and her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for and genuinely seeking work.

She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 30 April 1985 but the appeals officer also decided that she was not available for employment from 21 January 1985. She was notified of this decision.

638.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive unemployment assistance as she applied some time ago.

Unemployment assistance cannot be paid to any person who is not the holder of a qualifications certificate. The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 14 May 1985 and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. When inquiries are completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.

639.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be reached on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who has furnished evidence of her efforts to obtain employment.

Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 11 December 1984. Following inquiries her claim was disallowed for a period of six weeks from 11 December 1984 and further period of six weeks from 16 January 1985 on the grounds that she was not genuinely seeking work.

She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her appeal on 21 March 1985. The appeals officer also decided that she was not genuinely seeking work during the periods in question. She continues to sign the unemployment register and her entitlement to unemployment assistance is at present being reviewed in the light of her recent efforts to obtain work.

640.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is an unmarried mother with two children aged two years and seven months will have her book returned.

The unmarried mother's allowance which had been in payment to the person concerned has been terminated with effect from 14 February 1985 on the grounds that she has not since that date complied with the conditions for the receipt of the allowance. She has been notified of this decision and of her right to appeal if she is dissatisfied with it. In the meantime it is open to her to apply for supplementary welfare allowance to the community welfare officer at the local health centre.

641.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has been receiving unemployment assistance at the maximum rate since March 1984, has had his payments reduced some months later and received no reply to his appeal against the reduction, and the reason he is now being reduced a further 70p.

Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned in 1983 his means, derived from the value of board and lodging in his parents home, were assessed at £13 weekly. Due to an oversight this revised rate of means was not put into effect until July 1984 and in agreement with the applicant a deduction of £2 weekly is being made against the overpayment. A further review of his claim resulted in an increase in the means assessed from £13 to £13.70 weekly. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £17.10 weekly the appropriate rate £32.80 less means of £13.70 and a deduction of £2 towards overpayment.

642.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare to detail the means which are assessed against a person (details supplied) in County Laois; as he is in receipt of only £26.05p for himself, his wife and two children.

It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £44.65 from 5 April 1985 which includes an adult dependant allowance of £8.75 plus £18.60 dependant child allowance. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means at £28.76 weekly which consists of half the weekly value of a holding. The appropriate pension books were issued in April last and it has been confirmed with the local post office that these are now in the pensioner's possession.

643.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied for unemployment assistance in February has not received payment; and when he may expect to receive payment.

Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that an applicant is available for work and to fulfil this condition an applicant must be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 20 February 1985 but following the completion of inquiries his claim was recently disallowed on the grounds that as he was not genuinely seeking work, he did not fulfil the condition of being available for work.

644.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied for an unmarried mother's allowance in November 1984, and received the allowance at the end of January 1985, will receive payment of arrears from November.

A payable order for the arrears in question, after deductions for supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the South Eastern Health Board, has now been sent to the person concerned.

645.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application for a free electricity allowance made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

An application form for a free electricity allowance was issued to the person concerned on the 12 April 1985, but it has not been returned to date. If he considers that he satisfies the conditions for receipt of the allowance as outlined on the form he should complete it and forward it in the first instance to the ESB for attention. On receipt of the completed application in the Department, the matter will be considered further and he will be notified of the outcome.

646.

(Limerick West): asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick whose application for unemployment assistance was refused.

The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim in July 1984 and requested an oral hearing. The appeals officer was of the opinion that the case was of such a nature that it could be decided summarily without a hearing. His decision on the appeal was that the means exceeded the statutory limit. The applicant was notified of this decision.

He subsequently applied for a review of his means and a social welfare officer is at present making inquiries in the case. When these inquiries are completed, the person's means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.

647.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory widow's pension for which she applied in March 1985 will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

The person concerned has been awarded a widow's contributory pension at the weekly rate of £43.45 with effect from 29 March 1985. This is the rate of pension payable to a widow under 66 years of age with no qualified children.

A pension book with orders payable from 7 June 1985 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Her late husband had been in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension of £62.05 per week, which included an increase in respect of his wife, and this was paid to her for six weeks after his death on 13 February 1985, in place of widow's pension.

The claimant herself was also in receipt of disability benefit which included an increase in respect of her husband but this increase was no longer properly payable on the award to him of the old age pension and consequently an overpayment of disability benefit has been incurred by her. Arrears for the period 29 March to 6 June 1985 are being held as an offset against supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Midland Health Board and also for the overpayment referred to. A detailed letter setting out the full position with regard to arrears and offsetting overpayments will be sent to claimant shortly.

648.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance for which he applied 14 weeks ago will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.

The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until inquiries to enable his means to be assessed had been completed. These inquiries which were extensive were recently completed and he has been assessed with means of £23.55 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging in his parent's home. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £6.40 weekly the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £23.55. He will be paid a current week this week.

He was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his claim and when the amount to be recouped to his local health board is known the balance of any arrears of unemployment assistance due to him will be paid.

649.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total amount of unemployment benefit received by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 7 June 1983 to 21 May 1984. During this period he received combined payments of unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit amounting to £4,404.15. A statement to this effect has been issued to him. He is currently in receipt of an old age contributory pension.

650.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date of commencement of payments of invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly and the weekly amount payable.

Invalidity pension is in payment to the person concerned since 28 May 1981. The present weekly rate is £37.45, that is, the maximum rate payable to a married woman who is living with her husband and who has not attained 66 years of age. Under the provisions of the budget the rate of invalidity pension will be increased to £39.90 with effect from 11 July 1985.

651.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused unemployment assistance.

The person concerned appears to have been in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance since 18 May 1984 to date without any break in entitlement. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £11.95 weekly the appropriate rate £54.80 less means £42.85 derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital.

652.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date on which a person (details supplied) in County Galway, had her pension reduced; the amount of the reduction; if he will give details of the means assessed against the applicant which necessitated the reduction; and if he will now carry out a full reassessment of this applicant and her family in order to identify the considerable hardship caused as a result of the reduction in the amount of social welfare being paid to the household.

Following a review of her old age pension entitlements it has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to a reduced pension at the weekly rate of £22.60 from 6 January 1984, which increased to £25.30 from 6 July 1984. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means at £21.15 per week consisting of the estimated income from a holding. A review of her entitlement was carried out in November 1984 and it was established her circumstances had not changed to an extent which would alter her present rate of pension.

If she feels that her circumstances have changed since then, it is open to her to apply for an increase in her pension by notifying the Department to that effect.

653.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

Following a reinvestigation of her circumstances, the means of the person concerned, derived from a farm holding which she recently inherited, were assessed at £95.46 a week. This exceeds the limit of £66 applicable to her as a widow under 66 years of age with two qualified children. The widow's non-contributory pension which had been in payment to her was therefore terminated, with effect from 11 January 1985.

She appealed against the decision and her case was referred to an appeals officer for consideration. However, in the light of the statement submitted by the widow in support of her appeal, that officer has asked that further inquiries be made by the local social welfare officer. When these have been carried out the appeals officer will give his decision and the claimant will be notified.

654.

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

The person concerned appears to have been in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £75 weekly until he ceased signing on 21 May 1985 due to illness. Accordingly there do not appear to by any arrears of unemployment assistance due to him.

655.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 is only in receipt of £23.65 in separation payments although she is separated from her husband and is taking care of her 11 year old child; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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.

656.

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

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that an applicant must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the contribution period governing his entitlement to benefit.

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 11 March 1985 and his entitlement to benefit is governed by his contribution record during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984. He did not satisfy the contribution conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit on the basis of his Irish contribution record.

Inquiries are being made to establish his UK contribution record for the period concerned, but there has been a delay in receiving the relevant details from the UK authorities. When the details are received, his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined.

657.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to pay disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The person concerned is in receipt of disability benefit since 21 May 1984. All benefit due including dependant increases and pay-related benefit has been paid to the date of the latest medical certificate received. He has also claimed disablement benefit and arrangements have been made for his medical examination on 12 June to assess the extent of his disablement. A decision on the claim will then be made.

658.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford received no payments of disability benefit on 13 May 1985, or 20 May 1985, despite having supplied weekly medical certificates.

Payment of disability benefit was not issued to the person concerned subsequent to 3 May 1985 due to an administrative error. The error was later rectified and payment for the period from 4 May to 10 May 1985 was issued to him on 27 May 1985. He was then transferred to the payments system where payment is issued weekly on receipt of monthly medical evidence of incapacity and all benefit payable in respect of his claim from 11 May to 1 June 1985 was issued to him on 28 May 1985.

659.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and when arrears will be paid to her.

Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed for the statutory period of six weeks from 9 April 1985 as she failed to attend for examination by a medical referee of the Department on 4 April 1985.

Her explanation for failure to attend for examination has been accepted and payment of benefit was restored on 31 May 1985. All disability benefit payable to 27 May 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to her.

660.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment benefit has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will direct his Department to restore this person's payments to the former figure; the date on which this will be done; the total amount of arrears to be paid; and if he will make a statement on this situation.

The rate of unemployment benefit payable to an applicant is reduced after 156 days of benefit, if he does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in a seven year period.

The person concerned who is an applicant for unemployment benefit did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in the seven year period. Accordingly the rate of unemployment benefit payable to him was reduced from £88.35 weekly to £76.50 weekly from 4 March 1985, the 157th day of his claim.

661.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford with one dependent child is only receiving £35.05 assistance per week.

The person concerned has been awarded an increase in her widow's non-contributory pension from £35.05 to £51.05 with effect from 11 January 1985 (the Friday following the receipt of the application on her behalf for an increase). This is the maximum rate of non-contributory pension payable to a widow under 66 years with one qualified child.

She has been asked to return the pension order book she now holds and as soon as it is received a book at the higher rate, payable from the Friday following the last order cashed in her old book, will be sent to the designated post office for collection by her. Arrears in respect of the period from 11 January 1985 to the date of the last order cashed in the returned book will be sent direct to her by payable order.

The claimant had been on a reduced rate of pension based on her means, derived from the capital value of a house which is however no longer in her possession.

662.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive her outstanding arrears from his Department and the amount which will be paid.

The arrears of widow's allowance payable to the person concerned by the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and amounting to Stg£739.25 (IR£853.64) were incorrectly sent to this Department instead of to the South-Eastern Health Board, who had been paying supplementary welfare allowance to her.

These arrears have now been forwarded to the Health Board and they will pay whatever balance is due to her after they have recovered the supplementary welfare allowance paid by them.

The claimant has also been awarded a pro-rata contributory pension by this Department under EC Regulations, based on her late husband's combined Irish and British insurance records, at the weekly rate of £22.17 with effect from 26 October 1984. This includes an increase in respect of one child dependant. A pension book with orders payable from 7 June 1985 was issued to the designated post office on 4 June 1985 for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. Arrears for the period 26 October 1984 to 6 June 1985 will be sent direct to her shortly by payable order.

663.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding a claim for an unmarried mother's allowance made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The claim of the person concerned to unmarried mother's allowance was awarded with effect from 7 March 1985. An allowance book with orders payable from 23 May 1985 was issued to the designated post office on 20 May for collection by her and she was notified accordingly. Arrears for the period from 7 March to 22 May 1985, after deductions have been made for unemployment assistance and supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that time, will be sent direct to the claimant shortly by payable order.

664.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding a claim for arrears of unemployment assistance for the period from 24 August 1984 to 16 April 1985 made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 24 July 1984 but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for work. He appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of his case on 8 November 1984. The appeals officer also decided that he was not available for work.

His case was reviewed subsequent to the appeal hearing and as the deciding officer was satisfied that he fulfilled the conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit from 9 November 1984 his claim was allowed from that date. He has continued to sign the unemployment register and is at present in receipt of unemployment benefit at the appropriate rate of £60.90 weekly.

665.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for a free telephone made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

An application from for a free telephone rental allowance was issued to the person concerned on 29 May 1985 following receipt of representations on his behalf from the Deputy. On receipt of the completed application form in the Department a decision will be given in the case and he will be notified of the outcome.

666.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application for a living alone allowance made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to a living alone allowance of £3.20 from 19 October 1984.

The appropriate pension book payable from 1 March 1985 issued on 2 March 1985 and a payable order covering arrears of living alone allowance due for the period 19 October 1984 to 22 February 1985 issued separately.

667.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4 is not in receipt of social welfare benefit.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 12 May 1984. She was not entitled to benefit at the commencement of her claim as according to the records of the Department she had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid at the appropriate rate in the 1982-83 contribution year on which her entitlement to benefit is based.

Following the completion of inquiries regarding the class of contributions paid on her behalf during 1982-83 it was established that her employment was insurable at the appropriate rate to qualify for benefit. All benefit payable to 24 May 1985 the date of the latest medical certificate received has now been issued to the person concerned.

668.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6.

Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 22 February 1985. Inquiries had to be made to establish if she was available for and genuinely seeking work. When these inquiries were completed her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have an oral hearing of her appeal next week. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

669.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an 84 year old widow (details supplied) in Dublin 6 living on her own is not entitled to free telephone rental because she is in receipt of a British widow's pension; if he considers this discriminatory as the woman is Irish and is not costing the Irish Exchequer the payment of an Irish old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned was disallowed on 24 January 1985 on the grounds that she was not in receipt of a qualifying pension. A questionnaire issued to her at the time did not elicit the information that she is, in fact, receiving a British retirement pension which is a qualifying pension for this purpose. A social welfare officer has been asked to investigate the composition of her household and if his report indicates that she satisfies the living alone condition her application will be approved without delay.

670.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of disability benefit was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24.

Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 25 April 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have her examined by a different medical referee on 12 June 1985. Her entitlement to payment of disability benefit in respect of the period from 25 April 1985 to 22 May 1985 will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report following this examination.

In the meantime notification was received that the person concerned had been admitted to hospital suffering from a different incapacity on 23 May 1985 and payment has been restored from that date. A cheque representing benefit payable from 23 May 1985 to 31 May 1985, the date of the latest medical evidence received, was issued to the claimant on 5 June 1985.

671.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be approved; and, if so, when.

The recent application of the person concerned to old age pension is at present under investigation by the social welfare officer. When her inquiries have been completed the case will be decided on and the claimant will be notified of the outcome.

672.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory old age pension book will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who applied in mid-February 1985.

There is no record of receipt of a claim for contributory old age pension from the person concerned. His entitlement will be examined if he submits a completed claim form to the Department. A claim form can be obtained at any post office.

673.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of the application by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly for a non-contributory old age pension.

There is no record of receipt in the Department of an old age pension application from the person concerned. The Deputy's representations have been accepted as an application to old age pension on his behalf. The case is being referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. On completion of inquiries the case will be decided without delay and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

674.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the out come of an appeal against the decision regarding a non-contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £9.30 from 7 September 1984. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital and a holding.

Following representations from the Deputy a from which would enable the person concerned to state clearly her grounds for an appeal issued on 26 March 1985. This form has not yet been returned to the Department.

675.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a non-contributory old age pension has issued to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and, if not, the reason.

It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension on the grounds that her means, consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's ESB pension and capital, exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. She was notified accordingly on 6 February 1985.

676.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay a full old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is not entitled to old age pension on the grounds that he failed to satisfy the statutory condition as to means. His means consisting of the weekly value of capital and a holding exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.

677.

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

The person concerned recently applied for unemployment assistance and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly. He is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.

678.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay full unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The person concerned appealed against the amount of means assessed against him but an appeals officer also assessed his means at £10 weekly derived from self-employment. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £71.85 being the appropriate rate £81.85 less means £10.

He recently applied for a review of his means and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. When these investigations are completed his means will be assessed and his rate of unemployment assistance determined accordingly.

679.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay full unemployment assistance and arrears to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £10.75 weekly, the appropriate rate £29.95 less means £19.20 derived from self-employment in the building industry. He recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and arrangements are being made to have his case submitted to an appeals officer for determination. His rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.

680.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay full unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from his plant hire business exceeded the statutory limit. He recently appealed against the disallowance of his claim and arising out of contentions made by him in support of his appeal his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted 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.

681.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay full 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.

682.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a prescribed relative's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.

The person concerned is in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension. One of the conditions for the receipt of a prescribed relative allowance by a widow pensioner is that she must be at least 66 years of age. This woman is only 51 and does not therefore satisfy this condition. She is accordingly not entitled to be paid a prescribed relative allowance and has been notified to this effect.

683.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to transfer a recipient of a non-contributory widow's pension (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to an old age pension to enable her to claim the various allowances as she is 70 years of age.

A transfer from her existing widow's non-contributory pension to old age non-contributory pension would be of no advantage to the person concerned because both pensions are paid at the same rate and both categories of pensioners (widows when they are over 66) can qualify equally for the various benefits under the free scheme. An information leaflet giving details of these benefits has been sent to the widow and if she thinks she would qualify under any of the schemes she should apply to the address given in the leaflet.

684.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who is separated from his wife, but still supports his wife and family, has his unemployment benefit reduced.

The rate of unemployment benefit payable to an applicant is reduced after 156 days of benefit, if he does not satisfy the contributions in a seven having 280 paid contributions in a seven year period. The person concerned who is an applicant for unemployment benefit, did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 280 paid contributions in the seven year period. Accordingly the rate of unemployment benefit payable to him was reduced from £61.40 weekly to £53.20 from 4 January 1985 the 157th day of his claim. He also entered the second phase of pay-related benefit on the date and payment of this benefit was reduced from 70p weekly to 56p.

He is accordingly in receipt of the flat rate unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit to which he is entitled and combined weekly payments of £53.76 continue to be made to him as these become due.

685.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the investigation officer insists that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford did not show that his means were below £3,842.80 on 4 February 1985 in relation to his application 17 weeks ago for unemployment assistance.

The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He failed despite repeated requests to provide documentary evidence regarding the disposal or use made of all capital received from the sale of land. He was recently issued with an appeal from but to date has not returned it to his local office. If it is returned his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed accordingly.

686.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be called for a further examination in his application for an invalidity pension.

Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 28 November 1983 to 28 May 1985 when payment of disability benefit was disallowed following an examination on 29 May 1985 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He is, therefore, not qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension.

687.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unemployment assistance appeal decision will be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

The person concerned was assessed with means of £5 weekly derived from the value of board and lodging on his uncle's holding. He appealed against this decision but an appeals officer on 9 July 1984 also assessed him with means of £5 weekly. He recently requested a review of his means and following reinvestigation he was assessed with means of £14.35 weekly with the effect from 22 May 1985. He is accordingly in receipt of unemployment assistance at £17.40 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £14.35. If he is dissatisfied with this decision it is open to him to appeal. An appeal from can be obtained at his local office.

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