asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the reason for the three months delay in this case.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
146.
To be entitled to unemployment assistance a person must satisfy a means test. The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 22 August 1985 and his claim was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation of his means.
Due to the increasing workload of the outdoor staff it was not possible to have the necessary inquiries undertaken quickly but it is hoped to have them completed shortly. Arrangements will then be made to refer, without delay, the case to a deciding officer for assessment of means, and the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessment.
147.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give a breakdown of the sum of £19.20 which as assessed against a person (details supplied) in County Kerry upon payment of unemployment assistance to him as from 12 June 1985.
The means of the person concerned were assessed at £19.20 weekly, derived from the maintenance portion of an annual student grant. He did not appeal against the means assessment although advised of his right to do so.
The person concerned was recently issued with a supplementary application form and if he completes and returns it to his local office, arrangements will then be made to have his means reinvestigated and the rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the investigation. The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £12.55 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £31.75 less means of £19.20.
148.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a death grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
A cheque for £100, the maximum grant payable, issued to the person concerned on the 14 November 1985.
149.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given on an appeal in respect of application for old age pension by a person (details supplied) in County Longford.
The appeal of the person concerned agaisnt the refusal to grant him an old age pension is with an appeals officer for determination. Further inquiries have been made at the appeals officer's request and, in the light of the results, he has decided to have an oral hearing before giving his decision. The person concerned will be advised of the venue and date for the hearing as soon as possible.
150.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the application of a person (details supplied) in County Clare, for social assistance will be processed.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to disclose details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He failed to disclose details of his home circumstances.
The person concerned was advised in writing by his local office that his failure to co-operate in the investigation of his means could lead to disallowance of his claim. However, as he still refused to co-operate, no further action could be taken in the matter.
If he is now prepared to co-operate in the investigation, he should inform his local office and arrangements will be made to have the necessary inquiries completed as soon as possible.