asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused unemployment assistance.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
59.
Following 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 failed to supply particulars of his home circumstances.
He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and the case has been returned to the social welfare officer to afford the person concerned a further opportunity to co-operate in the disclosure of his means. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
60.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford whose means were assessed as nil in October 1985, only received £12.50 unemployment assistance for four days signing the first week after his unemployment benefit finished.
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 21 November 1985 and was paid the final two days of benefit due to him on 23 November 1985. He then applied for unemployment assistance and was assessed with means of £15 weekly, derived from the benefit from his brother's holding. He was, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £18.80, being the appropriate rate in his case of £33.80 less means of £15. He was, therefore, entitled only to £12.56 in respect of the first four days of his unemployment assistance claim and he has since been in receipt of the full weekly rate of £18.80. 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 office.
61.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay maternity benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Payment of maternity benefit to the person concerned was authorised on 5 December 1985 at the weekly rate of £71.05. A cheque for £852.60 covering the period 14 October 1985 to 4 January 1986 issued to her on 18 December 1985. Payment of benefit will continue to issue until 18 January 1986 when her entitlement to benefit ceases.
62.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying the unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 and if he will resolve the situation as a matter of urgency.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person has not less than 26 contributions paid at the appropriate class since entry into insurance. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 29 January 1985 but protracted inquiries had to be made to establish whether his employment between May 1984 and 26 January 1985 was insurable at a class providing cover against unemployment.
These inquiries have now been completed and arrangements are being made to pay the arrears of benefit due, less advances of supplementary welfare allowance made to him by his local health board, pending a decision on his claim. The person concerned ceased to sign as unemployed after 11 November 1985.
63.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date on which a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan applied for unemployment assistance and when he will be paid.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 7 August 1985 and his case was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation of his means. The inquiries, which are proving to be very protracted, will be completed as soon as possible, and the means of the person concerned will then be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance determined accordingly. The delay in this case is regretted.
64.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay arrears of social welfare benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
A payable order for the arrears in question, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to her by the South Eastern Health Board, will be issued to the person concerned tomorrow.
65.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned appealed against the disallowance of his unemployment assistance claim and following further inquiries made by the social welfare officer, an appeals officer decided that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He was notified, accordingly, of the appeals officer's decision on 4 November 1985.
He recently applied for a review of his means and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries are completed his means will be assessed and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly.
66.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free electricity allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An application for a free electricity allowance from the person concerned has been approved and the ESB have been instructed to apply the allowance to his electricity account from 18 June 1985, the date he became the registered consumer at his present address.
67.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will pay full free telephone rental in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was approved for a free telephone rental allowance with effect from 31 May 1985, the date of receipt of her application in the Department. This is the earliest date from which the allowance may be applied in her case. Telecom Éireann has confirmed that the allowance is applying to her account and appeared on the bill which issued to her in November 1985.
68.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must have not less than 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 7 October 1985. Inquiries had to be made to establish if her employment during the tax period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, which governed her claim, was insurable at a class of contribution which provided cover against unemployment. These inquiries, which are continuing, will be completed as soon as possible and her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be considered in the light of the outcome.
69.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will expedite payment of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal with a view to the payment of arrears being issued before Christmas.
A claimant for unemployment benefit who is a landholder but does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 contributions paid in a three year period is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily.
The person concerned is a landholder who does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period. His case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation to establish whether the profit from his holding exceeds £2 daily. He failed to make himself available for interview by the social welfare officer and, accordingly, his claim was disallowed from 14 October 1985.
He has been advised that further consideration will be given to his unemployment benefit claim when he makes himself available to the social welfare officer for interview. He continues to sign as unemployed and he has also been informed of his right to apply for a qualification certificate, but has not done so.
70.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
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 on 14 October 1985. Following inquiries his claim was disallowed for a period of six weeks from his last date of employment on 7 October 1985 on the grounds that he left his employment voluntarily without just cause.
Following the expiry of the six weeks disqualification, the case was reviewed and as he did not fulfil the condition of being available for employment from 19 November 1985, his claim was again disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance on 13 December 1985 and arrangements are being made to submit his case to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
71.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider awarding an invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford on disability benefit.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. To determine his entitlement to invalidity pension 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 that examination.
72.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will expedite this payment in view of the hardship involved.
Following investigation of his claim the person concerned was assessed with nil means and was, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £62.95, from 9 September 1985.
He was paid in respect of a current week on 27 November 1985 and part of the arrears due were paid to him on 3 December 1985. The person concerned was a postal applicant, and a voucher in respect of the remaining arrears due, for the period 9 September 1985 to 7 October 1985, will be posted to him this week. He has ceased to sign as unemployed.
73.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have not less than 26 contributions paid since his date of entry into insurable employment.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 25 September 1985. According to the Department's records he has only 23 paid contributions and accordingly his claim was disallowed. He stated that he had been employed during the period 4 February 1985 to 20 September 1985 and the matter of the possible non-payment of contributions by his former employer is being investigated. When these inquiries are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed.
74.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason invalidity benefit paid by the British Department of Health and Social Security is not eligible for a free electricity allowance for people living alone and who are on an Irish invalidity pension; and if he will consider cases such as that of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who are eligible because of this.
The free electricity allowance is not available to persons who are receiving a British invalidity pension and the person concerned cannot therefore be granted this benefit.
There are practical difficulties in relation to the extension of the scheme to this category because of differences between the British invalidity scheme and the Irish invalidity scheme which carries an entitlement to these benefits. Any such extension would, in any event, have significant cost implications and there are no proposals at this time to extend the free electricity allowance scheme in this way.
75.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is on disability benefit for an invalidity pension; and if a form will be issued to him.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned was examined by a medical referee on 3 September 1985 who did not consider him to be permanently incapable of work. The medical referee decided to have him examined again in August 1986. A deciding officer has decided that he is not therefore entitled to invalidity pension.
76.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the reason the assessment in this case took so long.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned could not be determined until her means were investigated by the social welfare officer. These inquiries were protracted and were completed only recently. She has now been assessed with nil means, and is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £31.75 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable to her. All arrears due will be paid to her this week, and weekly payments of £31.75 will continue to be made as they become due.
77.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the steps a person can take to ensure that PRSI contributions which have been deducted are credited to him in order to claim disability benefit as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Employers are required to give each of their employees a form P60 at the end of each income tax year. This form states, inter alia, what PRSI contributions have been deducted from the employee's remuneration during the year and also the number and class of PRSI contributions paid. A similar type of form, a P45, is given to employees at the termination of an employment.
It is open to any insurably employed person to inquire from the Department whether the PRSI contributions which have been deducted from his earnings are recorded on his behalf. If it transpires that particular contributions have not been recorded the Department will investigate the matter. If an employer fails to comply with the obligation to supply a P60 or a P45 it is open to the insured person to report the matter to the Department and it will be taken up on his behalf.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 7 October 1985. According to the records of the Department he has less than the minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1983-84, the contribution year governing his claim. On this basis he is not entitled to payment of benefit.
However, he stated that he had been in insurable employment during that year and a social welfare officer is currently investigating the case. Where the Department is satisfied that insurable employment took place but no PRSI contributions were paid, credited contributions may be allowed in respect of the employment provided there was no collusion between the employer and employee to avoid payment of contributions. On receipt of the social welfare officer's report in this case the entitlement to benefit of the person concerned will be reviewed immediately.
78.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if full unemployment benefit payments will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in relation to the six weeks disallowance of benefit further to her appeal, in view of the circumstances of her dismissal.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 15 October 1985. Following inquiries her claim was disallowed for a period of six weeks from her last date of employment on 5 October 1985 on the grounds that she lost her employment through her own misconduct. She appealed against the disallowance on 10 December 1985 and arrangements are being made to have her case submitted to an appeals officer for determination, at the earliest available opportunity.
Her claim was allowed from 18 November 1985 at £39.50 weekly, being the appropriate rate of flat rate unemployment benefit applicable in her case, and all arrears due were paid to her on 3 December 1985. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
79.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if payments of unemployment assistance will be resumed for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford further to his recent appeal in view of the fact he is prepared to attend a rearranged interview for the National Manpower Service.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that an applicant is available for and genuinely seeking work.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was suspended from 9 October 1985 as he failed to show that he was available for work when he failed to attend an interview arranged by the National Manpower Service. Inquiries had to be made to establish if he fulfilled the statutory conditions for receipt of unemployment assistance. These inquiries were recently completed and his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment and was not available for work. It is open to him to appeal against the disallowance of his claim and a form for this purpose may be obtained from his local office.
80.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who claimed for his benefit on 17 June 1985.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have at least 26 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 17 June 1985. According to the Department's records he had no contributions paid or credited during the period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governed his entitlement to unemployment benefit on his claim. He stated that he had been employed during the period February 1982 to May 1985 and the matter of the possible non-payment of contributions by his former employer is being investigated. When the inquiries, which are extensive, are completed his entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed. Pending the outcome of these inquiries he was advised of his right to claim unemployment assistance, but he has not done so.
81.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given on the unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The person concerned was assessed, with effect from 21 September 1984, with means of £61.50 weekly derived from the profit from his holding, and as his means exceeded the then maximum rate payable, his claim to unemployment assistance was disallowed. He appealed against this decision and an appeals officer on 30 July 1985 also assessed his means at £61.50 weekly. He was informed of this decision.
The increase in rates of unemployment assistance from 3 July 1985 left the person concerned entitled to £1.45 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £62.95 less means of £61.50. However, due to an oversight, which is regretted, the payment was not made. Arrangements have been made to issue all arrears due this week, and further weekly payments of £1.45 will continue to be made as they become due.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be given on the unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following review, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means, he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and his case was returned to the social welfare officer to afford him another opportunity to co-operate in the investigation of his means. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the social welfare officer's report.
83.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is now waiting for a decision on his claim for 16 weeks.
Following 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 failed to supply full particulars of his capital. He appealed against the disallowance of his claim and arising from contentions raised in support of the appeal, the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries, which are extensive, are completed, the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him. It is understood that he is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
84.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the medical grounds taken into consideration when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused an invalidity pension.
In order to qualify for invalidity pension a person must be permanently incapable of work. On 5 November the person concerned was examined by the medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was not permanently incapable of work and therefore a deciding officer held that there was no entitlement to invalidity pension. However, arrangements are being made for another examination by a different medical referee and the question of entitlement to pension will be further reviewed in the light of that examination.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is entitled to a death grant for his deceased parents.
The person concerned is not entitled to a death grant in respect of his late parents as the contribution conditions necessary for receipt of a grant were not satisfied by his late father. The health boards, in cases of hardship, are authorised under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to make a single payment to meet an exceptional need including assistance towards burial costs where appropriate.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is only receiving disability benefit at the rate of £25.35 and if he can be transferred to an invalidity pension.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 15 October 1982 and is currently being paid at the weekly rate of £39.50 the maximum rate appropriate to a man with no dependants. Payment is issued at regular weekly intervals on receipt of monthly medical evidence and all benefit payable has been issued to date. Due to an administrative error the person concerned was paid at an incorrect rate for the periods from 2 January 1984 to 20 August 1984 and from 7 January 1985 to 4 January 1985. Adjustment cheques in respect of these period have now issued.
One of the conditions for receipt of invalidity pension is that a person be deemed to be permanently incapable of work. The person concerned has now been referred for a medical examination by a medical referee of the Department. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be determined on receipt of the medical referee's report.
87.
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, derived from the profit from his holding exceeded the statutory limit. He was notified, accordingly, on 13 August 1985. He appealed against the disallowance but the appeal form was mislaid in postal transit. A duplicate appeal form has now been issued to the person concerned. When he returns it to his local office the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
88.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in having a person (details supplied) in County Waterford approved for an invalidity pension as he is presently in receipt of disability benefit.
Disability benefit at the married rate of £65.10 is in payment to the person concerned. His wife is receiving an old age pension at the rate of £44 per week — their combined income from the Department is therefore £109.10 per week.
Regulations provide that an increase in invalidity pension cannot be paid in respect of a wife who is receiving old age pension. Should the person concerned be transferred to invalidity pension it would be paid to him at the single rate of £45.30 per week. The combined income of the person concerned and his wife would then be £89.30, a cash reduction of £19.80 per week. It would not, therefore, be to his advantage to be transferred to invalidity pension. The position has been explained to him and he has been requested to indicate whether in the circumstances he still wishes to be transferred to the pension.
89.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford is being billed for rental by Telecom Éireann despite the fact she is in receipt of free rental from his Department.
The person concerned was approved for a free telephone rental allowance on 17 September 1985. This was too late to be included in the last account in her case. Telecom Éireann has confirmed that the allowance and appropriate credit from the date of installation of her telephone will appear on her next account, due to issue in February 1986.
90.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will approve an increase in an old age pension for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the maximum weekly rate of £44 from 20 September 1985. The appropriate pension book payable from 13 December 1985 issued on 13 December 1985 and a payable order for £240 covering arrears of pension due for the period 20 September 1985 to 12 December 1985 is in the course of the issue.
91.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for unemployment assistance and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It has not been possible to trace receipt of a claim to unemployment assistance which refers to the person at the address given in the details supplied. Further inquiries in the matter will be made if the Deputy will furnish additional information to enable the person concerned to be identified.
92.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of smaliholder's assistance has been discontinued to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
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 and as he indicated a willingness to disclose his means, his case was returned to the social welfare officer for investigation. When the inquiries are completed, his case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
93.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be paid unemployment assistance.
94.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is in receipt of unemployment assistance; and, if not, the reason for the delay in making payment.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit until 25 September 1985, when he exhausted his entitlement to 390 days benefit. Prior to the exhaustion of his entitlement to unemployment benefit, the social welfare officer called to investigate his means, but he was not available for interview.
Due to an oversight the case was not returned to the social welfare officer, for a repeat visit, until November. The inquiries will be completed as soon as possible, the means of the person concerned will then be assessed, and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined accordingly. The delay in this case is regretted.
95.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin was judged unavailable for work despite the fact that she has submitted evidence of having sought work at a number of venues as she has been refused unemployment benefit on these grounds; the number of others so adjudged in the past month; and whether this is justified at a time when employment is so difficult to find, particularly for young people from working-class areas.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for work. The claim of the person concerned was disallowed on and from 14 November 1985 on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She appealed against the disallowance and attended an oral hearing of her case on Tuesday, 17 December 1985. The appeals officer allowed her appeal and arrangements are being made to pay all arrears due as soon as possible. Further payments of unemployment benefit at the appropriate rate of £39.50 weekly will be made as they become due.
Statistics are not maintained of the number of people who have claims to unemployment benefit disallowed on the grounds that they are unavailable for employment. All claims to unemployment benefit are determined in accordance with the provision of the legislation as laid down in the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981, as amended.
96.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway despite the fact that this person has no income or property of any type; the reason he has been allowed to sign for such a long period of time; if he will now make an immediate payment; the date on which these payments will be made including all arrears; the total amount of each weekly payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned exhausted his entitlement to unemployment benefit on 13 August 1985. To minimise the possibility of delay he was advised in June 1985 to apply for a qualification certificate and was issued with the appropriate application form, but he did not return same, until his entitlement to unemployment benefit was exhausted. The case was then referred to the social welfare officer for investigation of means. These inquiries, which are proving to be protracted, will be completed as soon as possible and when they are finalised the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him. The delay in this case is regretted.
97.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability payments have not been made to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he is aware of this man's particular situation; the reason disability payments have not been made for a long period of time despite the fact that medical certificates have been issued regularly; if he will make an immediate payment; the total weekly payment that will be paid; the total arrears that will be paid; the date of payment and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned has only 49 contributions paid since 1953 and it appeared initially that he was only entitled to payment of disability benefit for 52 weeks. However, on review of his claim it was discovered that he has sufficient contributions paid prior to 1953 to entitle him to continued payment of disability benefit for the duration of his incapacity. Payment of benefit at the weekly rate of £102.40 has been restored from 16 December 1985 but arrears payable from 2 January 1984 to 14 December 1985 have been withheld pending confirmation by the Western Health Board of the amount of disabled persons maintenance allowance issued to him from January 1983. Any arrears payable, will be issued to him immediately on receipt of this information.