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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 1989

Vol. 393 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

95.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will clarify the position regarding free butter vouchers; and the type of pensioner entitled to this benefit.

The EC butter assistance scheme is available to persons in receipt of means tested social welfare payments. Under the scheme each recipient is entitled to two vouchers per month and to two additional vouchers for each of their dependants. The current value of each voucher is 58 pence.

96.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will restore payment of a child dependant allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that several requests for this payment have been made.

The person concerned is in receipt of widow's contributory pension at the maximum personal rate of £52.50 per week. On 13 October 1989 she applied for a child dependant allowance in respect of her granddaughter.

The claim has been referred to a local officer of the Department for investigation. The officer has arranged to visit the applicant on Thursday 16 November. When the local officer's report is received an early decision will be given in the case and the applicant will be notified accordingly.

97.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be decided.

The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 29 July 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 14 September 1989 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

The person concerned requested that her case be referred to an appeals officer who has examined the papers in the case and has decided to hold an oral hearing of her claim to enable her to present her case personally. No date has been set yet for this hearing but the appellant will be advised of the date, time and place of the hearing as soon as arrangements are finalised.

98.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the nonpayment of the current claim for disability benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin given that the current illness is myocardial infarction.

The medical evidence in this case has been reviewed and the person concerned has been regarded as incapable of work. Payment of disability benefit will be restored immediately and any arrears due will issue as soon as possible.

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