asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth who has been in receipt of disability benefit for the past four years and, therefore, should be on full benefit; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person concerned had a very serious operation and suffers from a very serious illness; if he will restore benefit; and if he will arrange payment of arrears.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
114.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 25 September 1987. Payment of benefit was disallowed from 1 December 1988, following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
The person concerned has appealed against this decision and arrangements are being made to have him examined by a different medical referee as soon as possible. His entitlement to paymaent of disability benefit from 1 December 1988 to 31 December 1988 will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
From 2 January 1989, entitlement to benefit is based on his contribution record is the 1987-88 tax year. The person concerned has a total of 36 credited contributions recorded. He requires a minimum of 39 paid or credited contributions to be entitled to payment.
115.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free fuel allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is on invalidity pension.
The national fuel scheme applies to persons in receipt of long term social welfare or health board payments who live alone or only with persons who come within certain categories.
As one of the children of the person concerned did not appear to come within the categories mentioned, the person did not qualify for receipt of the fuel allowance. The matter is, however, under review and further inquiries are being made in this case. A decision will be given when inquiries have been completed.