Vol. 494 No. 3
242 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a disability benefit claim for a person (details supplied) will be re-examined; and if his Department will settle the claim and make an offer to the surviving widow in view of the information and advice of a £1,265.90 claim being met and then withdrawn by his Department. [18258/98]
The person concerned who is deceased since 12 July 1998 claimed disability benefit with effect from 2 June 1998. He did not qualify for payment as he did not satisfy the contribution conditions. Unfortunately due to an administration error the spouse of the person was advised that there was a sum of over £1,200 due but this was not the case. My Department regrets the error and has apologised to her for it.
243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when unemployment assistance or its equivalent on the social employment scheme will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with particular reference to means of £26 assessed against him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18267/98]
The person concerned is in receipt of unemployment assistance at a reduced rate with weekly means of £26, derived from parents' income, assessed in his case. There has been a short delay in the issue of recent payments due to incorrect information having been given to the local office. The local office was notified that the person concerned was starting work on a community employment scheme on 7 September 1998 and again on 14 September 1998 and payment had to be amended accordingly. However, no employment has yet commenced and all payments due on his claim have issued.
