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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

216 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if carer's allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Louth who is looking after her cousin who is deaf and dumb; and if persons in receipt of a retirement pension will not be discriminated against in applying for a carer's allowance. [11424/00]

The person concerned is currently in receipt of retirement pension at the maximum personal rate. She applied for carer's allowance in April 1999. Under social welfare regulations, carer's allowance and retirement pension are not payable concurrently. Accordingly, the person concerned continues to receive payment of retirement pension. However, her entitlement to secondary benefits will be examined further.

As a general rule, only one social welfare payment is payable at any one time to an individual. The review of the carer's allowance, which was published in October 1998, examined the issue of paying carer's allowance in conjunction with another social welfare payment but concluded that the present practice should continue. The review noted that the allowance as it stands is an income support payment and not a payment for caring.

However, the review raised the issue of a "continual care" payment to recognise all carers who were providing the highest levels of care. One of the key priorities identified in the Government's review of its Action Programme for the Millennium is to establish a pilot system of needs assessment for carers and people needing care to be operated by the health boards. This matter is under consideration by the Minister for Health and Children.

The introduction of a continual care payment will be considered further in the light of the outcome of this examination.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

217 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the record of stamps of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for 1998 and 1999; and when payment will issue to her for the four weeks she was off work. [11426/00]

The person concerned made a claim for unemployment benefit on 24 February 2000. For the year 1998-99, which is the governing contribution year relating to the claim there are seven credited contributions only on record. The person concerned would not qualify for unemployment benefit based on these contributions.

However, in support of her claim, the person concerned has produced documentation showing PRSI contributions paid in the contribution year 1998/99. Before a decision can be given on her claim, the position in this regard must be confirmed with the employer in question. The matter has, therefore, been referred to a social welfare inspector for investigation.

When the inspector's report is completed, a decision will then be given on the unemployment benefit claim and the person concerned notified of the outcome.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused unemployment benefit in view of the fact he is genuinely seeking work. [11428/00]

In the context of a recent review of his entitlements, the person concerned was asked to provide details of his efforts to find work. Based on his response a deciding officer disallowed his claim from 29 March 2000 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose may be obtained from his social welfare local office.

The person concerned has a small farm and may be entitled to farm assist. An application form for this allowance has been sent to him.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

219 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused unemployment benefit in view of the fact that he is genuinely seeking work. [11431/00]

In the context of a recent review of his entitlements, the person concerned was asked to provide details of his efforts to find work. Based on his response a deciding officer disallowed his claim from 26 January 2000 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose may be obtained from his social welfare local office.

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