asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been made on the appeal for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the appeal was lodged some time ago.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
321.
An appeals officer on 11 January 1986 assessed the means of the person concerned at £33.65 weekly, derived from an intestacy share in a holding. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £0.15 being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £33.80 less means of £33.65. The person concerned has been notified accordingly.
322.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 who has six dependent children is being paid unemployment assistance at the rate of only £60 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned, he was assessed with effect from 15 January 1986 with means of £38.55 weekly derived from benefit from his wife's earnings. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance of £55.60 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate in his case of £94.15 less means of £38.55. He was recently issued with an appeal form and as soon as he returns it arrangements will be made to have his case referred to an appeals officer for determination of his means. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
323.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will approve an application for a free electricity allowance and pay arrears to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An application from the person concerned, which was received on 17 December 1985, has been approved and the ESB has been instructed to apply the allowance from the date on which his home was reconnected to the electricity supply.
324.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been awarded deserted wife's benefit with effect from 3 October 1985. An order book payable from 23 January 1986 has been sent to the designated post office for collection by her and she has been notified accordingly. A payable order in respect of arrears for the period from 3 October 1985 to 22 January 1986 will be sent direct to her shortly.
325.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has been signing on since December; and the amount which will be paid as he received only £7 per week last year, he is a self-employed agricultural contractor with no property or assets and should qualify for a higher rate.
The person concerned reapplied for unemployment assistance on 17 December 1985 and his claim was put into payment on the basis of an existing qualification certificate showing means of £86.90. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £12.90 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £99.80 less means of £86.90.
He appealed against the means assessment, when he was previously signing as unemployed, and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. The inquiries, which are extensive, are not yet completed and when they are the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination of means, and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to the person concerned will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.