asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason arrears of the electricity allowance have not been made to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 for the period October 1987-May 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Electricity Allowance Arrears.
172.
An application for free electricity allowance was received from the person concerned on 11 May 1989. The allowance was awarded from 1 July 1989 i.e. the commencement of the next billing period following the date of approval of the allowance.
Under the terms of the free electricity allowance scheme, the appropriate commencement date for the allowance is the date of commencement of the next billing period following the date of approval of the allowance. In these circumstances, the allowance cannot be backdated in this case.