asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the rate of benefit or assistance which was paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 during the period January 1980 to December 1982 included allowances for an adult and child dependants.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
75.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 10 February 1981 following the exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit and his claim was allowed at the rate appropriate to a single person from that date. On 26 May 1982 he applied for increases in respect of his wife and two child dependants. These increases were paid to his wife, with his agreement, up to 6 February 1983. He ceased to prove unemployment after 6 February 1983.
76.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who applied ten weeks ago.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions including an assessment of means. The person concerned was twice advised to apply for a qualification certificate prior to exhaustion of his unemployment benefit but did not do so until 14 October 1985 when his entitlement to unemployment benefit was exhausted.
The person concerned was not available for interview when the social welfare officer called on him to investigate his means. He has now agreed to make himself available for interview and the social welfare officer will call on him again this week. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly. It is understood that he is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
77.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the outcome of an appeal made by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly for disability benefit.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 4 September 1985 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her appeal has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of her claim as soon as possible.
78.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who applied for disability benefit is not receiving payment; and if, in the event of her being able to get credits for forwarding certificates due to not having enough insurance contributions to be in receipt of disability benefit, it can be arranged that she send in monthly certificates rather than weekly certificates as at present.
Where a person has fewer 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. She claimed disability benefit from 30 January 1984 and was paid to 30 January 1985 after which date her 52 week entitlement became exhausted.
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. The person concerned was notified on 23 January 1985 that further medical certificates should be forwarded to the Department at monthly intervals so that credited contributions may be awarded to her in order to preserve the continuity of her insurance record.
79.
Mr. Cowen
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal of a non-contributory old age pensioner (details supplied) in County Offaly will be heard.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £8 from 3 October 1985 and £44 from 21 October 1985 (date of deed of transfer). A pension book at the increased rate payable from 13 December 1985 issued on 10 December 1985 and a payable order covering the arrears of pension due for the period 25 October 1985 to 12 December 1985 is in the course of issue.
80.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, assessed at £38.45 weekly, derived from the letting value of land, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions made in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. The person concerned was not available for interview on the three occasions that the social welfare officer called to his home, and a further effort will be made to contact him this week. When the inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for decision, and the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of that decision.
81.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the approval of non-contributory old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned is under investigation. The social welfare officer expects to visit the claimant very shortly. On completion of inquiries, the case will be referred to a deciding officer for decision and the claimant will be notified of the outcome without delay.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of disability benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 17 September 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who found him to be incapable of work from that date. Accordingly payment was restored from 17 September 1985 and all benefit payable, in respect of his claim, has been issued to date.
83.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that approval for an unemployment assistance claim is expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the extraordinary delays in concluding a means test for him in view of the fact that all the necessary evidence was provided to the social welfare officer repeatedly in September and October.
Following investigation, the means of the person concerned have been assessed at £1.20 weekly, derived from the value of capital. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £92.80 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £94 less means of £1.20. Payment will commence this week and when the amount of supplementary welfare allowance which was advanced to him by his local health board, pending a decision on his claim, has been ascertained, any arrears of unemployment assistance then due, will be paid to him. The investigation of the means of the person concerned was completed in October, but unfortunately the papers were subsequently lost in postal transit and this gave rise to the delay, which is regretted.
84.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application for a review of unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £66 weekly, and is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £10.95 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £76.95 less means of £66. He appealed against the means assessed against him and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal, the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer and the rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date up to which disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 or alternatively, what other form of benefit will be paid to her in 1986, having regard to the fact that she will continue to be incapacitated and will be undergoing a major operation in Dr. Steeven's Hospital in January 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
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 111 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance. She claimed disability benefit from 31 January 1984 and was paid to 31 January 1985 after which date her 52 week entitlement became exhausted.
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. Payment was issued in error to the person concerned from 22 July 1985 to 2 December 1985. If she feels she is incapable of work she should apply to her community welfare officer who will advise her regarding her entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance or a disabled person's maintenance allowance.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance payments have not been made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford, the reason the claim is going on for such a long time; and the reason it is deemed that he has not been available for work when he has produced documentary evidence to the contrary.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 15 August 1984 on the grounds that he was not available for and genuinely seeking work. He did not appeal against the disallowance although he was advised of his right to do so.
He continued to sign as unemployed and his claim was again reviewed in August 1985. His claim was not allowed as he had not furnished any evidence of having made efforts to secure work. He has recently been advised by his local office that further consideration will be given to his application when he furnishes evidence to show that he is available for and genuinely seeking work.
87.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused unemployment benefit.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for full time work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 6 August 1985 to 27 August 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for work. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her appeal on 20 November 1985. The appeals officer also decided that she was not available for work. In the absence of fresh facts or new evidence the decision of an appeals officer is final. She was notified of the decision on 25 November 1985.
88.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying arrears of an old age pension in respect of a deceased person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The old age pension case of the deceased person is under investigation. On completion of inquiries any arrears due will be issued to her next of kin. Information on the date of death has been requested but not yet received.
89.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application for a non-contributory old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The old age pension case of the person concerned is currently under investigation. The social welfare officer hopes to have his report completed within the next few days. The case will then be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The claimant will be notified of the outcome without delay.
90.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to pay-related benefit.
A person engaged in systematic short time employment is not entitled to pay-related benefit. In addition, payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that the number of days worked and the number of days in respect of which unemployment benefit is payable cannot exceed five in any week.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 August 1985 and as she was still employed for two days weekly she was treated as a systematic short time worker. She is not, accordingly, entitled to payment of pay-related benefit, but payment of unemployment benefit of £20.82 in respect of three days weekly, is being made to her.
91.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance is payable to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 18 November 1985 and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of his means. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed, and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
92.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age pension has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of his present circumstances.
Following a re-investigation of the old age pension entitlements of the person concerned it was discovered that his means had increased since the previous assessment. Accordingly it has been decided that he is entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £51.10 from 13 December 1985 which includes adult dependent allowance of £17.10 This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of half the weekly value of income from a holding and capital. The appropriate pension book payable from 13 December 1985 issued on 12 December 1985. A payable order covering arrears of adult dependent allowance due for the period 14 June 1985 to 12 December 1985 is in the course of issue.
93.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will approve the application for unemployment assistance from a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £73 weekly, derived from the profit from his holding. The means exceeded the statutory limit in his case and his claim was, accordingly, disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions raised in support of his appeal the case was referred to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. The inquiries were recently completed and the papers have been referred to an appeals officer for determination of means. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
94.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite the appeal of the person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 whose unemployment assistance was discontinued and who has no other means of support.
Following a review, 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 recently appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries are completed his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of means, at the earliest available opportunity, and the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
95.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in re-issuing a children's allowance book to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11.
Due to a clerical error the book in question was not re-issued until 13 December 1985. Any inconvenience caused to the claimant is regretted.
96.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in returning a children's allowance book to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Due to a clerical error a renewal allowance book payable from July 1985 was not issued to the claimant in this case. The error came to light in November 1985 when the claimant wrote to the Department inquiring about her payments. An allowance book payable from July 1985 was issued to the claimant's home address on 28 November 1985.
97.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan for an invalidity pension.
A form on which to claim invalidity pension has been forwarded to the person concerned and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.
98.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan for unemployment benefit.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking employment.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 8 November 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She was notified of this decision on 3 December 1985. It is open to her to appeal against the disallowance of her claim and a form for this purpose issued to her on 3 December 1985.
99.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan for an old age pension.
A repeat claim to old age pension from the person concerned is at present under investigation. On completion of inquiries the case will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The claimant will be notified of the outcome without delay.
100.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 22 October 1985. Following inquiries, his claim was disallowed for a period of six weeks on the grounds that he had voluntarily left his employment without just cause. He has been advised of this decision and of his right to appeal, if he so wishes.
The claim of the person concerned was allowed from 25 November 1985 at the appropriate weekly unemployment benefit rate of £36.55. His entitlement to pay-related benefit will be determined as soon as certain inquiries are completed. Further weekly payments of unemployment benefit will continue to be made as they become due.
101.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying occupational injuries benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick, the provisions which apply for the settling of such claims where a company disputes a claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit from 8 November 1984 in respect of an incapacity from an alleged accident at work on 4 October 1984. Pending the completion of investigations disability benefit was allowed on an interim basis from 12 November, the fourth day of incapacity.
Inquiries from the employers failed to confirm details of the accident and the matter was investigated locally by the social welfare officer. On the evidence before him the deciding officer was not satisfied that an occupational accident as alleged had in fact happened and the claim was therefore disallowed.
Claimant appealed against the decision on 16 October 1985. The appeal has been referred to the chief appeals officer for consideration and an oral hearing of the case will be heard as soon as possible.
102.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when maternity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
There is no record in the Department of an application for a maternity allowance having been received from the person concerned. An application form on which she can apply for the allowance was sent to her on Monday, 16 December 1985. On its return it will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
103.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin has not yet received a children's allowance in respect of her last child.
A claim for children's allowance was received from the person concerned on 27 June 1985 in respect of her fourth child who was born on 27 May 1985. The appropriate allowance book payable from June 1985 was issued on 22 July 1985 to the claimant's home address.
The Deputy's representations received on 5 December 1985 were the first indication that the claimant had not received the allowance book in question. She has now been written to and when her reply is received the necessary action will be taken without delay.
104.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid the maximum rate of unemployment assistance; the reason he is being paid a reduced rate at present; and if he will have the matter fully examined.
Following a recent review of his unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £9 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parents home. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £22.75 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £31.75 less means of £9.
He has not appealed against the means assessment and it is open to him to do so. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local employment office. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused unemployment benefit when she had to leave her employment as the work was affecting her health and she can furnish medical evidence to that effect.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 30 October 1985. Following inquiries, her claim was disallowed for a period of six weeks from her last date of employment on 26 October 1985 on the grounds that she had voluntarily left her employment without just cause. She appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have an oral hearing of her appeal this week.
She continues to sign the unemployed register and inquiries are being made at present to establish if she now satisfies the required conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit. When these inquiries are completed her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 7 December 1985 will be determined.
106.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit payments will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if a full explanation in relation to her entitlement will be issued to her.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 21 October 1983 but payment was not made on this claim as a first certificate only was received in the Department. She had indicated on her claim form that she had been incapable of work since 3 September 1983 and she was requested on 11 November 1983 to supply medical evidence of incapacity for work from that date but no reply was received.
A certificate dated 25 January 1985 stating that she was unfit for work from 2 September 1983 was received in the Department on 31 January 1985 but the regulations provide that where a person who has given notice of incapacity and has submitted medical or other satisfactory evidence of the incapacity and has submitted medical or other satisfactory evidence of the incapacity fails or neglects for a period exceeding six months to continue to submit such evidence, she is disqualified for receiving disability benefit since she last submitted such evidence.
Accordingly payment was authorised from 29 January 1985 and all benefit payable from that date to 21 September 1985, after which date she was certified fit to resume work, less supplementary welfare allowance paid to her during that period, was issued to her and there are no arrears of disability benefit due.
107.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. He recently appealed against the means assessment and, arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal, the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries.
When the inquiries are completed, his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination of his means. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
108.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for an old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension as he does not fulfil the statutory condition as to means. The assessment of his means, comprising the weekly value of a holding and a small amount of capital, exceeds the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. If the person concerned feels that he should now qualify for pension he should claim in the normal way. On receipt of his application his title will be re-investigated and he will be notified of the outcome.
109.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if free telephone rental will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The application for a free telephone rental allowance from the person concerned was approved in her sister's name. She was notified accordingly on 29 November 1985. Telecom Éireann have been advised of the decision in the case and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which she is provided with telephone service.
110.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for increased unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned has been in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance, based on a qualification certificate awarded to him in August 1983. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £25.95 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £33.80 less means of £7.85. He has not to date requested a review of his means but if he wishes to do so, a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local employment office.
111.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for an old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
112.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for a non-contributory old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
113.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason persons (details supplied) in County Cork were refused an old age pension on the grounds that they did not fulfil the statutory conditions and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Question Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together as they refer to the same married couple.
It has been decided by an appeals officer that the persons concerned are not entitled to old age pensions as they do not satisfy the statutory conditions as to means. The assessment of their means, consisting of half the weekly value of capital (the disposal of a large part of which has not been accepted for old age pension purposes) exceeds the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
The claimants were notified of the appeals officer's decisions in their cases on 29 November 1985.
114.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite an appeal for unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from the profit from his holding, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer on 2 September 1985 also assessed him with means exceeding the statutory limit. He has been informed of this decision. The person concerned has not signed at his local office since 28 May 1985.
115.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite a claim for increased unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Following investigation of her unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £28.85 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodging in her parents home. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £2.90, being the appropriate rate in her case of £31.75, less means of £28.85. She recently appealed against the means assessment and the case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination at the earliest available opportunity. The rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
116.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has been receiving unemployment benefit for several years during the period when he has not been doing seasonal work has been denied unemployment benefit for the first time this year; despite the fact that his contributions have been the same as other years.
An applicant for unemployment benefit who is a landholder but does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period leading up to the date of the claim is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily.
The person concerned is a landholder who does not satisfy the 78 contribution condition. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of the income from his holding. Following the completion of inquiries which revealed that the value of his holding exceeded £2 per day his claim was disallowed with effect from 23 September 1985.
117.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an increased rate of a non-contributory old age pension has not yet been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where an appeal has been lodged for some time.
It was decided on 6 December 1985 that the person concerned is not entitled to an old age pension at a higher rate than £18 per week. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of income from a holding, the transfer of which is not accepted for old age pension purposes. The pensioner has been notified of this decision and of his right to appeal against it.
118.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free electricity allowance has yet been approved for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
An application for a free electricity allowance received from the persons concerned has been approved and the ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to their electricity account for the December 1985-January 1986 billing period onwards.
119.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free electricity allowance and a free television licence have yet been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
To be eligible for a free electricity allowance a person must either be living alone or be living with certain categories of persons only. The person concerned was approved for a free electricity allowance in 1984. His daughter who resided with him ceased to come within the categories of excepted persons on reaching the age limit of 18 years and the allowance was therefore withdrawn in July 1985. Recent information suggests that the living alone condition may again be satisfied in this case. Further inquiries are therefore being made and when these are completed his entitlement to the allowance will be determined and he will be notified of the outcome.
120.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if approval has yet issued in respect of a free telephone rental allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the fact that the medical evidence requested has been furnished by the applicant.
The person concerned has been approved for a free telephone rental allowance and a notification to this effect was issued to him on 13 December 1985. Telecom Éireann have been advised of the decision in the case and will arrange to apply the allowance from the date on which he is provided with telephone service.
121.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will grant a substantial increase in unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where an appeal has been lodged for some time.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £7.65 weekly, derived from the letting value of land. He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £7.65 weekly. He was informed of this decision. The person concerned is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at £24.10 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case £31.75 less means of £7.65.
122.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any decision has yet been made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of her claim for unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £33.65 weekly. derived from an intestacy share of a holding. She appealed against this decision on 25 November 1985 and arrangements are being made to have her case determined by an appeals officer, at the first available opportunity. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to her will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
123.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois who is awaiting payment for 11 weeks.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 14 August 1985 but her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on 14 November 1985. The appeals officer also decided that she was not available for employment. She continued to sign the unemployed register after the date of the appeals officer's decision and inquiries are being made to establish if she now fulfils the condition of being available for employment. When these inquiries are completed her entitlement to unemployment benefit from 15 November 1985 will be determined.
124.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal for an increase in the payment of unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance of £4.60 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £33.80 less means of £29.20. His means are derived from the value of board and lodging on his parents' holding. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and the case was referred to an appeals officer, for determination. The appeals officer, however, requested further action in the case and when this was completed the papers were then returned to him. The appeals officer will deal with the case at the earliest available opportunity and the rate of unemployment assistance payable will be reviewed in the light of his decision.
125.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not in receipt of unemployment assistance even though she has been signing since September last.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 12 August 1985 but subsequently failed to sign as unemployed and, accordingly, no action was taken on her application. She re-applied on 11 September 1985 but again failed, subsequently, to sign. She made a further application at a Kerry employment office on 1 November 1985 but had left her address before the social welfare officer called to interview her.
She re-applied in Cork employment exchange on 18 November 1985 but did not notify that office of a change of address. On 11 December 1985 she advised the office of her new address and the case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means. When the inquiries are completed her means will be assessed, and the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
126.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason invalidity benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have the person concerned examined by a medical referee on 8 January 1986. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
127.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow from July 1984 to 1 November 1984, approximately.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 18 May 1984 and payment was issued on her claim from 22 May 1984, the fourth day of incapacity, to 23 October 1984. She was requested to attend for examination by a medical referee on 22 October 1984 but failed to do so.
Regulations provide that a person who fails to attend for such an examination may be disqualified from receiving further benefit for a period of six weeks unless good cause can be shown for failure to attend. Consequently disability benefit was disallowed for six weeks from 24 October 1984 to 4 December 1984. She was certified by her own doctor as fit to resume work on 2 November 1984.
She subsequently submitted an explanation for her failure to attend for examination but it was not accepted as showing good cause for non-attendance.
128.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will refund telephone rental to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was approved for a free telephone rental allowance with effect from 17 April 1985, the date of receipt of his application in the Department. This is the earliest date from which the allowance can be applied and any rental paid by the applicant for a period prior to the date of approval cannot therefore be refunded.
129.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Waterford has had his application for unemployment assistance approved; and the reason Deputy Jackie Fahey's repeated representations have remained unanswered.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 9 October 1985. His claim was allowed at the appropriate rate in his case of £93.70 weekly, from that date. However, he applied for permission to sign retrospectively as unemployed from 2 August 1985 to 8 October 1985. Having considered the explanation furnished by him, permission was recently granted to him to sign as unemployed during that period. All arrears of unemployment benefit due for the period in question were paid on 6 December 1985. Further weekly payments of £93.70 will continue to be made as they become due. A reply to the Deputy's letter on behalf of the person concerned was issued on 13 December 1985.
130.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, who is married with three children, is receiving only £16.65 per week unemployment assistance.
Following investigation of his unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £62.85 weekly, derived from self-employment. He is, accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £16.65 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £79.50 less means of £62.85. It is open to him to appeal against the means assessment and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local employment office. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
131.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having an application from a person (details supplied) in County Waterford approved for an invalidity pension.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
132.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of a widow's pension for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The claim of the person concerned is at present being investigated by a social welfare officer. As soon as his report is received a decision will be given in her case and she will be notified of the outcome.
133.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite payment of arrears in respect of a single woman's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned was awarded single woman's allowance from 15 November 1984 at the reduced weekly rate of £5.35, increased to £7.65 from July 1985. An allowance order book payable from 3 January 1985 issued to her on 12 March 1985 and a payable order for £42.80 in respect of arrears for the period 15 November 1984 to 2 January 1985 was issued to her on 22 March 1985. The encashed payable order shows that the order was signed with the name of the person concerned, and cashed on 29 March 1985. A photocopy of the encashed payable order has now been forwarded to the person concerned, for her information.
134.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite approval of free electricity for a pensioner (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
There is no record in the Department of receipt of an application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned. An application form was therefore issued to her on 13 December 1985. If she considers that she satisfies the conditions for receipt of the allowance as outlined on the form she 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 she will be notified of the outcome.
135.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the unacceptable treatment of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has appealed against the decision refusing him unemployment assistance; if he is aware of Deputy Frank Fahey's Dáil Questions, letters and telephone calls since January 1985 making representations on his behalf; and of his repeated calls to his Department in Galway offering to give evidence of his means, as far as he is able to do so; if he will now grant unemployment assistance without further delay to this applicant; and the amount to be granted.
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 establish that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer also decided that he had failed to establish that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. The person concerned was notified accordingly.
The person concerned was interviewed on three occasions by the social welfare officer in connection with his claim and the last occasion was prior to the submission of his case to the appeals officer. On the three occasions he failed to disclose details of his means. According to the Department's records, only one letter was received from the Deputy on behalf of the person concerned and a reply to that letter was issued on 30 August 1985. Following the recent disallowance of the appeal, a further letter was issued to the Deputy.
136.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not being paid a double week unemployment assistance payment at Christmas.
Regulations provided for the payment of a Christmas bonus in week ending 6 December 1985 to certain categories of persons in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Welfare or a health board in that week. Persons in receipt of the long term rate of unemployment assistance were among the categories entitled to the bonus. However claimants in receipt of disability benefit in the determining week were not entitled to payment of the bonus.
The person concerned is a married man with four dependent children who claimed disability benefit on 26 November 1985 after having been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 14 December 1982. He was in receipt of disability benefit during the week ending 6 December and accordingly payment of the bonus could not be made to him. Weekly payments of disability benefit are being made at the rate of £102.45 as they fall due.
137.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare further to Deputy Morley's representations of 20 August 1985 and 18 October 1985, to which he has not yet received a reply, when wet time insurance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
In accordance with the Social Welfare (Amendment) Act, 1984, wet time benefit is not payable in respect of stoppages of work occurring after 6 January 1985 when the scheme was effectively abolished. If the stoppage in question occurred on or before that date I will have the matter investigated on receipt of the relevant particulars including the name of the employer.
138.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in returning a book of orders in respect of the family income supplement to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
It is regretted that some delay occurred in issuing a new family income supplement book to the person concerned following the recall of his existing books for adjustment of the rate of payment. The delay occurred at a time when the first period of entitlement had expired for the vast majority of the original recipients and fresh claims from the persons concerned were being processed.
139.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit and pay-related benefit is not being paid at present to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
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 117 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance. She was paid disability benefit to 11 February 1985 after which date her 52 week entitlement became exhausted. 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.
140.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an increase in unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the non-payment of disability benefit in respect of his wife.
The person concerned has been in continuous receipt of unemployment assistance since 7 February 1983. He is at present in receipt of £76.95 weekly, which is the maximum rate appropriate to a claimant with an adult dependant and two child dependants. His means have been assessed as nil. Weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
141.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a disablement allowance which was approved by an appeals officer on 15 July 1985 has not been paid to date to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; the reason it was necessary to have a further examination carried out with regard to the same claim where a decision was conveyed to the person concerned that his claim was disallowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed disablement benefit in respect of occupational asthma. The claim was disallowed on the ground that he was not employed in an occupation prescribed in relation to occupational asthma. The claimant appealed against the decision, and the appeals officer allowed the appeal. The appeals officer considered that the decision to disallow the claim in respect of occupational asthma was correct; he decided, however, that the claimant was suffering from the prescribed disease inflamation or ulceration of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory passages or mouth produced by dust or liquid or vapour.
The claimant was referred for examination by a medical referee to assess the degree of disablement resulting from the prescribed disease. Following examination on 17 October 1985 the medical referee expressed the opinion that the claimant was not suffering from any loss of physical or mental faculty as a result of the prescribed disease, and a deciding officer disallowed the claim on those grounds. The claimant has appealed against this decision and the case is being referred to an appeals officer for a further oral hearing at an early date.
142.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a person (details supplied) in County Limerick called before a medical referee.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 15 June 1985, after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He did not appeal against the disallowance until 21 August 1985. Arrangements were then made to have him examined by a different medical referee. This examination will take place on Thursday 19 December 1985. His entitlement to benefit will then be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
143.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of disability benefit for a period of five weeks will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick as this person was paid at single rate in error.
The arrears of disability benefit payable to the person concerned were issued on 16 December 1985.
144.
andMr. McLoughlin asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that unemployment benefit has been refused to workers at Drogheda, County Louth and Balbriggan, County Dublin employment exchanges who were laid off work following the conclusion of the holiday period at Mosney, County Meath; if he is aware that the reason given was that they were not available for work, that these workers are registered with the National Manpower Service who have failed to secure employment for them and that there are approximately 4,500 workers unemployed in these areas; the basis for the decision that these workers are not available for work having worked for six months at Butlins, Mosney, County Meath; if he will have this discrimination against women investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Claims to unemployment benefit were made at Drogheda employment exchange and Balbriggan employment office by 75 employees laid off by Butlins at the end of the holiday season. The entitlement of each of these claimants to unemployment benefit was, as is the case with all claimants, subject to the condition that they were available for and genuinely seeking employment. The claims of 70 of the claimants were allowed and put into payment while the remaining five claims were disallowed. Four of these were disallowed on the grounds that they were not available for employment while the other claimant had insufficient contributions in the governing contribution year.
It is open to any claimant who has a claim disallowed to appeal and have their case determined by an appeals officer.