John Ellis
Ceist:144 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will pay free fuel allowances to persons in receipt of United Kingdom pensions; and if the maximum income limit of £59.10 could be waived in these cases.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The national fuel scheme is intended to help households who are dependent on long term social welfare or health board payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. A contributory pensioner can have up to £5 a week over and above the contributory pension, and still qualify for an allowance. This means that invalidity pensioners can have an income of up to £59.10 and qualify for a fuel allowance.
In 1989 I extended the national fuel scheme to recipients of pensions from other EC countries on the same conditions, including income limits, as apply to corresponding Irish pensioners. Waiving the income limits in such cases would have implications for other recipients and for the costs of the scheme.
John O'Leary
Ceist:145 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kerry had their applications for old age non-contributory pensions rejected in view of the fact that they are not in receipt of any dividends; and if he will outline his views on applicants for old age non-contributory pensions who have no dividends from shares in companies.
One of the conditions for receipt of an old age non-contributory pension requires a claimant not to have means in excess of £56 per week. On the basis of the information available to the deciding officer it was determined that the persons concerned failed to qualify as their means, including income imputed from their participation in the operation of a company, exceeded the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
This decision was appealed by the claimants and their cases were referred to an appeals officer for determination on 19 November 1990. This appeal will include a reassessment of their capital and income situation. As soon as a determination is made, the persons concerned will be informed of the outcome.
In general, the Social Welfare Acts provide the basis for the calculation of the yearly value of property, including share-holdings, not personally used or enjoyed by a pension claimant. The yearly value of any income is also taken into account as means.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:146 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare the way in which a decision was made rejecting the appeal against a decision to disallow disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in Cork even though he had a consultant's letter outlining his medical condition and stating that he was unfit for work.
The person concerned was disallowed disability benefit in June 1990 following an examination by a medical referee who considered him capable of work. He appealed against this decision and he was sent for examination by another medical referee who also considered him capable of work. His case was then referred to an appeals officer for consideration.
At the oral hearing of the appeal on 24 October 1990 the person concerned indicated that he had further medical evidence which he wished to submit. A medical report dated 11 april 1990 was, subsequently, received and was considered by the appeals officer. The appeals officer gave a decision on 30 October 1990 that the person was capable of work.
The appeals officer's decision is final and may only be altered by an appeals officer in the light of new facts or fresh medical evidence.
As the Deputy is aware, an appeals officer is statutorily wholly independent in the exercise of his function of determining an appeal under the Social Welfare Acts.
Joseph Doyle
Ceist:147 Mr. Doyle asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding an application made under the miscellaneous grants scheme for a charity (details supplied) in Dublin 4 towards the provision of a fire escape.
An application has been received from the organisation in question for funding under the scheme of grants to voluntary bodies in the social services area. The application is at present being processed and it is expected that a decision will be made shortly. As soon as it is, the organisation concerned will be notified.