asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 was refused a rent allowance; and if she will be entitled to an allowance for her child's shoes.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
112.
Under the provisions of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the determination of whether a rent supplement should be paid in any case is a matter for the health board. It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that the application of the person concerned for a rent supplement in respect of her present accommodation was refused after full consideration of all the circumstances. She appealed against the decision and her appeal was unsuccessful.
It is understood that she left local authority accommodation to move to the private rented accommodation in respect of which the rent supplement was sought. It is also understood that Dublin Corporation have offered to provide alternative accommodation for her provided that she clears arrears which are outstanding to them. The Eastern Health Board have offered to assist with these arrears. She has, however, refused to accept offers by the local authority of accommodation in the area she left and in alternative areas. Her application for assistance under the footwear scheme was refused by the health board on the grounds that her circumstances did not warrant a payment under the scheme. She is in receipt of unemployment benefit of £19.50 a week in addition to her weekly unmarried mother's allowance of £60.10 a week.
113.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth who has been on disability benefit since 1974 has been refused invalidity despite the length of his illness.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work.
The person concerned applied for invalidity pension in June 1986. His application was refused on the grounds that he did not satisfy the medical condition for the receipt of invalidity pension. The person concerned was given the right of appeal on this decision but as no appeal was received in the Department, it was considered that he did not wish to pursue his entitlement to invalidity pension and no further action was taken on his claim. In view of his renewed interest in applying for 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 this examination.
114.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free fuel allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The national fuel scheme applies to persons in receipt of long term social welfare or health board payments who satisfy a means condition and who are living alone or only with persons who come within certain categories.
It would appear from the records of the Department that the person concerned has an income in addition to his invalidity pension which may affect his entitlement to a fuel allowance. He has been requested to supply details of this income to the Department. On receipt of the said information a decision will be given on his entitlement to a fuel allowance without delay.
115.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare, when an appeal will be decided in relation to the unemployment assistance claim of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following investigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from the letting value of his holding and the sale of hay, exceeded the maximum rate payable in his case.
He appealed against the decision on 4 November 1988 and arising from contentions raised by him in his appeal, his file was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. On completion of these inquiries his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination at the earliest available opportunity.
The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the appeal.
116.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of the free travel scheme for pensioners in each of the past three years; and the numbers in each year who avail of the scheme.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Cost of Free Travel Scheme |
Estimated Number Qualifying |
|
|
£m |
||
|
1985 |
24.250 |
396,000 |
|
1986* |
25.535 |
411,400 |
|
1987* |
25.426 |
412,422 |
*Provisional
Source: Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services, 1986 and 1987.
117.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when fuel vouchers will be supplied to persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
One of the persons concerned is in receipt of a disabled person's maintenance allowance from the North Eastern Health Board and his entitlement to a fuel allowance is, accordingly, a matter for that board.
It is understood from the board that a fuel allowance has been awarded in his case and the first instalment will be paid shortly. Only one fuel allowance is payable to a household.