asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a supplementary rental allowance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; if he will outline the guidelines set down for the chief executive officers of the health board; if he will arrange for an urgent review of the case having regard to the fact that this person and his family may be evicted from their home if the allowance is not paid and this would result in the local authority being obliged to provide them with a council house; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
104.
It is understood from the Midland Health Board, which is responsible for the administration of the supplementary welfare allowances scheme in County Offaly, that the person concerned, who has been in receipt of disability benefit since 1984, also has a house purchase loan from his local authority.
Assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is not normally provided to people having difficulty with repayment of local authority housing loans. Local authorities have overall responsibility for approving loans and the terms of their repayment and where difficulties arise can make appropriate arrangements including rescheduling of loans.
The question of how best to assist persons who encounter difficulties in meeting local authority mortgage repayments is currently under review by my Department in consultation with the Department of the Environment. When the review is completed specific guidelines will be issued to the health boards.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Limerick has been refused the opportunity to appeal the refusal of disability benefit.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 28 October 1988 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
No appeal against the disallowance of benefit was received in the Department within the statutory period of 21 days. The claim was therefore closed. The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment benefit since November 1988. However, she has also continued to submit weekly medical certificates to the Department.
The person concerned has been written to and, on receipt of her reply, her request to be allowed appeal against the disallowance of her disability benefit will be favourably considered. In the meantime, arrangements are being made to have her referred for examination by a medical referee of the Department.