asked the Minister for Social Welfare the decision of the appeals officer in the case of a disability benefit claim for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
101.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 10 May 1989 after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 20 July 1989 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Based on new medical evidence received after the second examination she was further examined by a different medical referee on 10 October 1989 and was again found capable of work.
Her appeal against the decison of 10 October 1989 has been referred to an appeals officer who will decide shortly as to whether a summary decision or an oral hearing will be given on her claim.
102.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a rebate of PRSI contributions will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth, in view of the fact that he is the holder of a medical card.
The person concerned recently commenced employment under the social employment scheme. Participants under this scheme are insurable at the Class J rate of PRSI contribution. In the event of a participant being a medical card holder, the employee PRSI contribution liability is nil.
According to the firm of accountants representing the sponsoring employer under the scheme, no PRSI deductions are being made from payments to this employee and the appropriate Class J3 PRSI rate is being applied by the employer. In the circumstances, the question of a refund does not appear to arise in this case.
103.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 20 April 1989 after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 15 June 1989 who also considered him capable of work.
Medical evidence submitted by the appellant was referred to the medical adviser who decided that it did not affect the findings of the medical referees. His appeal has now been referred to an appeals officer who has examined the papers and proposes to hold an oral hearing of the case as soon as possible.
104.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the pre-retirement allowance will become payable; and the reason for the delay in payment of same.
The pre-retirement allowance was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1988. In the course of preparing for the introduction of the allowance a number of modifications were made and these were provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1989.
The date of implementation and the detailed operation of the pre-retirement allowance are to be prescribed by regulations. The drafting of these regulations is at an advanced stage and the administrative arrangements necessary to introduce and to operate the pre-retirement allowance are currently being finalised.
It is my intention to make the regulations before the end of this year and to commence operation of the allowance from 1 February 1990.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of the entitlement to disability benefit and his Department's intentions with regard to recouping unemployment assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit from 8 December 1988. Payment of benefit was disallowed from 1 March 1989 following examination by a medical referee who considered her capable of work. She appealed this decision and was examined again by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her case was forwarded to an appeals officer for determination and it is proposed to hold an oral hearing in the matter.
Payment of disability benefit was inadvertently authorised for the period from 15 September to 26 October 1989. A medical examination is being arranged with a view to determining her entitlement to disability benefit. The claimant is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance pending resolution of her appeal.