Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:42 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who is an Italian citizen living in Ireland and who is actively seeking employment here, has had her rent allowance stopped.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Under the provisions of the supplementary welfare allowances scheme, the payment of assistance towards rent is a matter for determination by the relevant health board.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that payment has been suspended on the grounds that the person concerned has failed to supply certain information concerning her means.
In addition, the question of whether the person concerned is in full-time education is under investigation at present. In this event she would be precluded from qualifying for a rent supplement.
I am informed by the board that when all of the required information is provided by the claimant her entitlement to a rent supplement will be reviewed.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:43 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an application for the new carer's allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
A carer's allowance, payable from 8 November 1990 at the maximum rate of £45.00 per week has been awarded to the person concerned.
This allowance replaces a prescribed relative allowance which is currently in payment in respect of the person concerned. Arrangements are being made to terminate the prescribed relative allowance at which stage the carer's allowance payment book will issue.
Arrears of carer's allowance less payments of prescribed relative allowance made since 8 November 1990 will issue as soon as possible.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:44 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have the old age pension of a person (details supplied) who is residing outside the State, paid in US dollars.
All Irish pensioners resident abroad, including those in EC countries and the USA, are paid by cheque in Irish punts. It is not practicable to make social welfare payments to recipients who reside abroad in foreign currencies.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:45 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made in relation to the disability benefit appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned applied for disability benefit in June 1988 in respect of injuries. Following examination by a medical referee payment, from 29 October 1990, was disallowed on the basis that the person is no longer incapable of work.
Following an appeal against the decision, a second medical examination by a different medical referee was made on 14 December 1990. The second medical referee expressed the opinion that the person is capable of work.
The case is now with the independent social welfare appeals office. I understand that an oral appeal is being arranged for next month.