Richard Bruton
Ceist:125 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number in receipt of the carers' allowance (a) at full rate and (b) at a reduced rate at the end of 1990.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The carer's allowance scheme was launched on 1 November 1990. The total number of persons in receipt of the carer's allowance at the end of December was 2,534. This figure includes those who transferred to carer's allowance having previously been in receipt of prescribed relative's allowance and those who retained their previous entitlement. The numbers in receipt of carer's allowance at the maximum weekly rate of £45 was 918 at the end of December. Since then applications are being received at a rate of 350 per week.
The maximum weekly rate of carer's allowance will be increased to £50 from next July, and it will be extended to include persons caring for recipients of disabled persons maintenance allowance in October.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:126 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position regarding the unemployment assistance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
Following investigation, a deciding officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £17.30 per week from 7 November 1990. The means are derived from the net yearly value of his holding. This assessment leaves him entitled to payment at the weekly rate of £120.70.
He appealed against the decision and his case has been referred for further investigation. On completion of these inquiries, his case will be referred to the independent social welfare appeals office for decision.
Jim Mitchell
Ceist:127 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a common law husband (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who is the sole earner of his family, is allowed claim family income supplement in respect of his common law wife and their children where there is no other income received by him or by any other member of the household; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under existing arrangements family income supplement is not payable to a person living with somebody other than his or her spouse. The legislation is being reviewed at present in the context of the preparation of the annual Social Welfare Bill and the question as to what arrangements are appropriate in these circumstances is being examined in that context.
Nora Owen
Ceist:128 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the carer's allowance has been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin.
One of the conditions for receipt of the carer's allowance requires that the applicant must not have means in excess of £44.00 per week.
Following the application of the person concerned in December 1990, a deciding officer decided that he was not entitled to this allowance as his means, derived from a holding, exceeded the statutory limit. This decision was made on the basis of information provided by the person concerned in his application form.
It is open to him to appeal against this decision if he so wishes and, in doing so, he should state clearly the grounds of appeal including any relevant documentation.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:129 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has been reached in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has his unemployment assistance cut by the sum of £5 per week because his wife endeavoured to pursue her artistic talent by writing poetry, which is alleged to have increased the weekly income of both.
Following investigation, a deciding officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £5.00 per week from 20 November 1990. The means are derived from the benefit of his wife's income. This assessment leaves him entitled to payment at the weekly rate of £100.00
He appealed against the decision and his case has been referred back to the social welfare officer for further inquiries in connection with his appeal. When the officer has completed the inquiries, his case will be referred to the social welfare appeals office for decision.