Michael Finucane
Ceist:123 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age noncontributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
At present, an increase of old age pension at the adult dependant rate of £28 is being paid in respect of the person concerned to her husband who has been in receipt of an old age pension since 1987.
The person concerned applied for an old age pension in her own right in July 1991. This application was not investigated until October due to an administrative error. Subsequently, additional inquiries had to be initiated as the information furnished by the person concerned was not fully consistent with information previously supplied in 1987 by her husband.
A provisional award of this pension, based on the details supplied by her husband will, however, be made to the person concerned. She will be notified of this decision and, of the requirement that she submit details of her means so that a final decision can be made in her case.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following re-investigation, a deciding officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £23.30 from 27 November 1991. The means are derived from the value of board and lodgings in his parents home.
This assessment leaves him entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £31.70 which is the difference between the maximum long term rate payable to a single person and his means.
If he wishes he can appeal the recent decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.