asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the facts of a case he will arrange for the immediate payment of a free fuel allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if an apology will be issued for the inconvenience caused to the applicant.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
49.
Arising out of the Deputy's question, the Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for administering the national fuel scheme in this instance, has, at the Department's request, written to the person concerned advising him of the address at which to apply and enclosing an application form for completion. When the completed form is returned a decision in his case will be given and he will be notified of the outcome.
The inconvenience caused to the person concerned, in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, is regretted and a letter of apology has been issued to him.
50.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding the unemployment assistance appeal lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following reinvestigation the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable in his case. His means, which were assessed at £72.65 from 25 February 1987 were derived from self-employment and the capital value of property.
He appealed against the disallowance on 6 March 1987 and arising from contentions raised by him in support of his appeal his papers were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries were completed, his case was submitted to an appeals officer for determination. Following an oral hearing of his case on 9 July 1987, the appeals officer also assessed him with means of £72.65.
Notification of the outcome of the appeal was issued to the person concerned on 23 July 1987. As it would appear from the information supplied by the Deputy that he did not receive the original notification, arrangements have been made to issue a duplicate notification to him.