asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
47.
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 6 March 1985 and following inquiries his claim was disallowed on the grounds that by reason of not genuinely seeking work he was not available for work. If he is dissatisfied with this decision it is open to him to appeal and have his case determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
48.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year. According to the Department's records the person concerned had insufficient contributions during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, which governed entitlement to unemployment benefit on her claim of 10 April 1985. She stated that she had further employment for the year in question and inquiries are being made to ascertain whether further contributions at the appropriate class were paid on her behalf during that year. When these inquiries have been completed her claim for unemployment benefit will be determined in the light of the outcome of the inquiries.
49.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has been submitting monthly certificates for over three years can transfer from disability benefit to an invalidity pension.
The person concerned has been claiming disability benefit since 5 January 1984 and payment is being made on a regular weekly basis. A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to him and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
50.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is only receiving £6 per week in unemployment assistance.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £5.95 weekly the appropriate rate £31.75 less means £25.80 derived from the value of board and lodging on her father's holding. She recently appealed against the amount of means assessed against her and arrangements are being made to refer her case to an appeals officer for determination. Her rate of unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
51.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will detail the arrears owed to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; the amount she has repaid; and the weekly amount of unemployment benefit now due to her.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 14 March 1984 and her current weekly rate of unemployment benefit is £30.90. However, the sum of £2 per week is being deducted towards recovery of an overpayment of £139.40 assessed against her in respect of an irregular claim of unemployment assistance during the period 28 March 1983 to 5 May 1983. The total amount recovered to week-ending 5 June 1985 is £54 and the balance outstanding at that date is £85.40.
52.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to an application for disability benefit made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if the application has been referred to an appeals officer; and, if so, when a decision will be forthcoming.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 18 February 1985, following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and she was examined on 3 May 1985 by a different medical referee who also considered her to be capable of work. Her case was referred to an appeals officer who proposed to hold an oral hearing as soon as possible. She will be notified of the time and place of the hearing as soon as the arrangements have been made.
53.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 26 March 1981 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and and who are permanently incapable of work.
The person concerned was examined on 23 May 1985 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work and asked to have him referred for a further examination in four months time. He is therefore not qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension. If the person concerned is dissatisfied with this decision it is open to him to forward a detailed report from his doctor. On receipt of this report the question as to whether he is permanently incapable of work will be reviewed by the medical adviser of the Department.
54.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if all arrears due will be paid up to date.
The person concerned has been in receipt of deserted wife's allowance at the rate appropriate to a person with seven qualified children. However, only five children are residing with and being maintained by her at present. Her allowance book has therefore been recalled for adjustment of the payment being made to her.
The claimant has reported several losses of her order book. In July 1984 she reported that she had lost her order book and it appears that orders from that book were cashed subsequent to her reporting its loss. This matter is currently under investigation. When inquiries are completed any arrears will be definitively calculated. Deductions will, however, have to be made for supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the Eastern Health Board and also for the overpayment in respect of the children and it appears at present that there will not be any balance of arrears left for payment to her. In fact, some adjustment in the rate of payment to her may have to be made in respect of a net overpayment. Full details of the gross arrears and of the offsetting payments will be given to her.
55.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when social welfare benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 May 1985 and following inquiries her claim was disallowed for six weeks on the grounds that she left her employment voluntarily without just cause. She recently appealed against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have her case determined by an appeals officer. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
56.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been made on an appeal for unemployment benefit made by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that he did not satisfy the condition of being available for work. He appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of his appeal on 30 April 1985. The appeals officer also decided that he was not available for work from 24 December 1984.
He continued to sign the unemployment register and as the deciding officer was satisfied that he fulfilled the conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit from 20 May 1985 his claim was allowed from that date at £37.25 the appropriate rate in his case. All arrears due were paid last week and further weekly payments will be made as they become due.
57.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have a non-contributory old age pension granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the application has been made for some time.
The person concerned claimed a contributory old age pension on 10 May 1985. He will reach age 66 on 5 July 1985.
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 has a total of only 393 contributions in the relevant period which, in his case, is from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1985. This is equal to a yearly average of only 12. He does not, therefore, qualify for a contributory old age pension.
The local social welfare officer has been asked to investigate his entitlement to a non-contributory pension and will call upon him shortly for that purpose. A decision will be made when the investigation is completed.
58.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons unemployment benefit or assistance at the full rate has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware that this man is married with a wife and three children; if he will direct his Department to pay the total benefits due to this person; the date on which these payments, including all arrears will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum rate for a married man with three child dependants of £79.50 weekly. However, the sum of £9.50 per week is being deducted towards recovery of an overpayment assessed against him in respect of an irregular claiming of unemployment assistance in 1983. The total amount recovered to week ending 11 June 1985 is £467.75 and the balance outstanding at that date is £954.02. Weekly payments of unemployment assistance at the rate of £70 will continue to be made to him as they fall due and until the overpayment is recovered.
59.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Laois who is due 16 weeks unemployment benefit has not been paid.
The person concerned has not claimed unemployment benefit but he applied for unemployment assistance on 4 March 1985 and his claim was put into payment at the weekly rate of £17.30 being the appropriate rate £75 less means £57.70. As the means were based on a qualification certificate issued to him in February 1984 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.
60.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Where a person has less than 156 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment, entitlement to disability benefit is limited to 52 weeks. The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 2 January 1984 to 18 August 1984 and from 19 November 1984 to 30 March 1985 after which date her 52 week entitlement became exhausted.
Following a request for details of further contributions paid on her behalf she supplied a further RSI number under which she had additional contributions which entitle her to continuous payment of benefit. All benefit payable to 24 May 1985, the date of the latest medical evidence received, has now been issued.
61.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given on an unemployment assistance appeal claim made by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Arising out of contentions made by the person concerned in support of his appeal against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim his case was referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries. These inquiries were completed recently and his case has been submitted to an appeals officer who will determine the case at the first available opportunity. The applicant's entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
62.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of unemployment assistance has been interrupted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason he is not paid on a regular basis; when these payments will be regularised as he has no other income or means; and the amount which he will be paid.
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 appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer also decided that as he failed to disclose his means he was not entitled to a qualification certificate. He was notified of the appeals officer's decision. He continued to sign the unemployment register and his case was recently referred to a social welfare officer for a review of his means. When these inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly.
63.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in making a decision on the death grant application made by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in respect of her husband who died on 19 January 1985.
There is no record of a claim having been received in this case. An application form for the grant has been issued to the person concerned.
64.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason arrears due to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for the period 20 January to 10 May 1985 has not been paid; and if he will make appropriate arrangements to pay them immediately.
The pension order book in this case, with orders payable from 10 May 1985, was issued on 3 May 1985. A payable order for the arrears, covering the period 25 January 1985 to 9 May 1985, has now been sent to the person concerned. The delay was caused by the necessity to obtain details of unemployment assistance and supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that period in order to calculate the net amount of arrears payable.
65.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a person (details supplied) in County Limerick called for examination by a medical referee in connection with his disability benefit; if he will decide on his application for invalidity pension 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 of work. The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 23 October and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. In connection with this claim he was examined by medical referees of the Department on a number of occasions who did not consider him to be permanently incapable of work.
In connection with his application for a transfer to invalidity pension arrangements have been made to have him again examined on 13 June 1985 by a medical referee. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
66.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The claim of the person concerned to widow's non-contributory pension was refused in February 1985 because she failed to disclose certain details about her name to the local social welfare officer. Subsequently on receipt of a letter and a statement of accounts from the claimant the officer was asked to reinvestigate her circumstances. He is making some further inquiries in the matter and as soon as his report is received the case will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome.
67.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The inquiries were recently completed and his means were assessed at nil. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the maximum weekly rate of £29.95. Arrangements have been made with his local employment office to pay all arrears due this week. Weekly payments of £29.95 will continue to be made as they become due.
68.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned does not satisfy the contribution condition for entitlement to unemployment benefit on the basis of her Irish contribution record. However, details of her contribution record in respect of a period of work in Holland have been requested from the Dutch social security authorities. When this information is received her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be determined.
69.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on the application for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the reason there is a nine week delay in processing this application.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance could not be determined until extensive inquiries being made by a social welfare officer had been completed. The inquiries were recently completed and arrangements are being made to refer the case to a deciding officer for assessment of means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
70.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange a children's allowance payment for a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
There is no record of any notification received in the Department from the person concerned regarding a lost allowance book. However, in view of the Deputy's question the claimant is being contacted with a view to obtaining full details of her problem. When a reply is received any necessary action will be taken.
71.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned was paid injury benefit in respect of the period from 12 October 1984 to 28 January 1985. Payment of benefit including pay-related benefit was discontinued after he was examined by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not incapable of work. He appealed against the decision and made a claim for disablement benefit.
Following a further medical examination by a second medical referee who confirmed the capable opinion his disablement was provisionally assessed at 10 per cent. He was awarded disablement benefit in respect of the period from January to September 1985 and was paid a gratuity accordingly on 11 April. The appeal against the decision will be not incapable has been referred to the appeals branch and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
72.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of invalidity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned was paid injury benefit in respect of the period from 6 July 1984 to 17 September 1984. Payment of benefit was discontinued after he was examined by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not incapable of work. He appealed against the decision and made a claim for disablement benefit.
Following a further medical examination by a second medical referee who confirmed the capable opinion his disablement was provisionally assessed at 6 per cent. He was awarded disablement benefit in respect of the period from January to July 1985 and was paid a gratuity accordingly on 10 April. The appeal against the decision that he was not incapable has been referred to the appeals branch and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
A claim for invalidity pension does not appear to have been received from the person concerned. One of the qualifying conditions which requires the claimant to be permanently incapacitated would not appear to be satisfied.
73.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be called for an examination in relation to her eligibility for disability benefit, as she was last examined on 27 March 1983.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 9 January 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee on 27 March 1985 who found her to be incapable of work from that date.
Accordingly payment of benefit was restored from 27 March 1985 and all benefit payable to 1 June 1985 has been issued to her in accordance with medical certificates received. Her appeal against the disallowance of her claim from 9 January 1985 to 26 March 1985 was passed to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer decided that she was capable of work from 9 January 1985 to 12 March 1985 and was not entitled to disability benefit in respect of this period.
He further decided that she was incapable of work from 13 March 1985 to 26 March 1985 and was entitled to disability benefit for this period. A cheque for £75.86, disability benefit and pay related benefit payable for this period, was issued to her on 5 June 1985.
Her claim is now due for further review and arrangements have been made to have her examined by a medical referee of the Department on 26 June 1985. She will be informed of the time and venue for this examination in the near future.
74.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the last three weekly payments of maternity benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be paid.
The person concerned claimed maternity benefit under the scheme for women in current employment. The normal duration for such cases is 14 weeks which is subject to the provision that the leave must commence no later than four weeks before the end of the week in which the baby is expected. In this case the baby was expected on 12 March 1985 and in order to qualify for the full 14 weeks payment she would have needed to commence her leave period no later than 18 February 1985. She did not commence her leave until 2 March 1985 and, as a result, was only entitled to 12 weeks and one day's payment from that date.
75.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the appropriate rate of old age pension applicable to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of an old age pension at the weekly rate of £11.30. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means comprising the weekly value of a holding, capital and ex gratia pension. An application for an increase in pension has been investigated by the social welfare officer and is being referred to a deciding officer for decision. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
76.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of unemployment assistance will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Following reinvestigation the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from beneficial occupation of his mother's holding exceeded the maximum rate payable to him. He recently appealed against the disallowance and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
77.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly was refused occupational injuries benefit on appeal although her case was before the appeals board on 22 May 1985 and the appeals officer was shown a letter indicating that she was being admitted to hospital on 28 May 1985 to have a cyst removed from her shoulder and, in view of the fact that her doctor will, under no circumstances, give her a certificate to allow her resume work, he will state the social welfare payments that will be made to her.
Further to the reply to the Deputy's previous question on 21 May last the person concerned was further examined by a medical referee on 22 May in connection with the disallowance of injury benefit from 30 January 1985. The medical referee confirmed the opinion that the claimant was not incapable of work. The appeal against the decision to disallow further benefit has been referred to the appeals branch and a decision will be given as soon as possible.
The person concerned does not appear to have claimed disability benefit in respect of the further period referred to — from 28 May 1985. It is open to her to furnish medical evidence of incapacity accordingly and her entitlement to disability benefit will be considered. If she has suffered any disablement resulting from the occupational accident she may be entitled to disablement benefit and it is open to her to make a claim accordingly.
78.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will open an appeal against the amount of £21.30 being received by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £21.30 from 8 February 1985. This is the rate to which she is entitled having regard to the assessment of her means consisting of half the weekly value of her husband's earnings and profit from calf breeding.
An appeal was lodged against this decision and her case was referred to an appeals officer who requested further information of the claimant's circumstances before giving a decision. The social welfare officer has reinvestigated the situation and the case has been referred back to the appeals officer for determination. The pensioner will be notified of the outcome in due course.
79.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in giving a decision on the application for a maternity grant made by persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he is aware that the unofficial postal strike in Limerick delayed mail to and from his Department for a considerable period of time and that this delay must be taken into consideration.
The person concerned is not entitled to maternity benefit as she has insufficient contributions paid since her entry into insurance to qualify for payment.
80.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a review can now be carried out of the deserted wife's allowance payable to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin having regard to the fact that she is now out of work and has not yet been restored to her full deserted wife's allowance thus leaving her in financial difficulty; and if this can now be arranged as a matter of urgency.
The deserted wife's allowance claim of the person concerned is at present with a local officer of the Department for reinvestigation. The officer expects to call on the claimant within the next week or so and when the report is received her case will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.
81.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension book will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
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 has been awarded an invalidity pension from 2 May 1985, the Thursday following the completion of a claim form. A pension book payable from 25 July 1985 will issue to the designated post office of payment. Arrears in respect of the period from 2 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.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will allow a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to transfer from disability benefit to invalidity benefit.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 23 March 1978 and payment is being made at regular weekly intervals. Invalidity pension is payable in place of disability benefit to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
To determine his entitlement to invalidity pension the person concerned was examined on 21 May 1985 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work and requested that he be referred for a further examination after three months. He is not therefore qualified for the receipt of invalidity pension.
If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision it is open to him to forward a detailed report from his doctor. On receipt of this report the question as to whether he is permanently incapable of work will be reviewed by the medical adviser of the Department.
83.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of disability benefit has been discontinued since 7 January 1985, in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14; when she will be paid; and the amount which she will be paid.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 December 1983 and payment was issued to 5 January 1985 when the contribution year governing her claim changed to the 1983-84 year. She was not entitled to payment of benefit from 7 January 1985 as she has less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1983-84 contribution year. According to the records of the Department she has 18 credited contributions in that year.
Credited contributions have been awarded to 27 May 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate received. These credited contributions while not entitling her to payment of benefit at present will preserve the continuity of her insurance record for the duration of her illness. Should she continue to remain incapable of work and submit the appropriate medical certificates to the Department she will requalify for payment of disability benefit on 6 January 1986.
84.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who is now only in receipt of unemployment assistance; when this will be paid; and the amount which will be paid.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit up to 11 April 1984 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. He made an application for unemployment assistance on 12 April 1984 and his claim was allowed from that date. He is at present in receipt of £31..75 weekly, the appropriate rate in his case.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as it was discontinued seven weeks ago.
The person concerned last claimed disability benefit on 6 October 1984. Following a period of employment he claimed unemployment benefit from 10 December 1984. His claim was allowed at the weekly rate of £80.15 being the appropriate rate applicable to a married man with two qualified children. He has been in continuous receipt of unemployment benefit from 10 December 1984.
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 does not satisfy this condition and accordingly provided he continued to prove unemployment his rate of benefit was due to be reduced on 13 June 1985, the 157th day of his claim. However, due to an error in the calculation of the total number of days benefit paid to him, his rate was incorrectly reduced to £69.65 weekly from 21 March 1985. Arrangements have been made to pay to him this week the arrears due in respect of the period 21 March to 13 June 1985.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unmarried mother's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The claim of the person concerned is at present under investigation by a local officer of the Department. On receipt of the officer's report which is expected within the next week or so a decision will be given and the claimant will be notified.
87.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that persons in receipt of unemployment benefit who become ill and have to switch to disability benefit lose three day's benefit in the process as well as 15 days pay-related benefit where this is applicable and that the same process occurs when such persons revert to unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement about the measures he proposes to take to correct this anomaly.
In accordance with the legislation a person who has been in receipt of unemployment benefit and who falls ill within three days thereof and claims disability benefit is entitled to payment of the latter benefit from the first day of his incapacity without undergoing any waiting period.
Pay-related benefit is payable from the 19th day to the 393rd day in a period of sickness or unemployment to a person in addition to disability or unemployment benefit. A first time claimant to disability benefit who had been previously in receipt of unemployment benefit must undergo an 18 day waiting period before he can become entitled to the payment of pay-related benefit with disability benefit but entitlement can continue up to the 393rd day of the claim irrespective of the period for which the pay-related benefit has been paid with the unemployment benefit.
A person in the situation outlined by the Deputy, who goes from unemployment benefit to disability benefit and then returns to unemployment benefit is entitled to resumed payment of this benefit and to pay-related benefit, if due, from the first day of unemployment as though there had been no break in his claim for unemployment benefit.
In the circumstances as outlined above, it is not considered that an anomaly exists in the operation of these schemes and there are no proposals to change the existing procedures which are laid down in the legislation governing the schemes. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind which does not appear to be in line with the foregoing arrangements it will be investigated if he supplies the details to the Department.
88.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the urgent need to assist the aged and infirm of little means especially all those who live alone to secure a telephone service free of installation costs; if he is further aware of the marked reluctance on the part of the rest of the health boards to come to the aid of such persons even where it is known that they live in fear of recurring attacks on their lives and property and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The free telephone rental allowance scheme administered by the Department which covers the normal quarterly rental charges on a telephone, applies to persons aged 66 or over receiving social welfare type pensions and persons under that age receiving invalidity or blind pension or disabled persons maintenance allowance provided they live alone or only with children under 15 or other persons who are so permanently incapacitated as to be unable to obtain aid in an emergency. Extension of this scheme to cover telephone installation charges would give rise to substantial additional cost and there are no proposals for such an extension in present circumstances.
There is a provision in the supplementary welfare allowances scheme which enables a health board, where it considers it reasonable, to pay an allowance by way of a single payment to meet an exceptional need. It would be open to a health board to meet all or part of the cost of installing a telephone under this provision, where it is established that an exceptional need exists. There is no evidence that health boards are reluctant to provide assistance of this kind where need is established.
89.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free travel pass will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
A free travel pass was issued to the person concerned on 10 June 1985.