Michael Ring
Ceist:370 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been told to return her book; and the reason this person's pension is being reduced. [9682/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension of €108.20 per week, including a living alone allowance of €7.70 and fuel allowance of €9. Her rate of pension was based on means of €50.79 per week, deriving from the net yearly value of her capital.
Following a recent review of her entitlement, the weekly means of the person concerned have been re-assessed at £70, €88.88, due to an increase in her capital since her pension was last assessed in 1998. On this basis, her old age non-contributory pension is being reduced to €54.00 per week from 23 March 2002. She has the right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office in relation to this decision.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions relating to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Michael Ring
Ceist:371 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will not qualify for the dependent child rate element of a disability benefit payment from 1 April 2002 as announced recently; the way in which only payments will be made to parents of students in leaving certificate year who are 18; his plans to correct this anomaly. [9683/02]
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 20 July 2001. He had been receiving an increase in respect of his three children since that date. Payment in respect of the child in question ceased on 1 February 2002, when that child reached age 18 years. However, under new arrangements provided for in Budget 2002 people receiving short-term social welfare payments will be able to retain the child dependant allowance to the end of the academic year in which the child reaches 18. In line with these arrangements the person concerned will be paid an increase in respect of this child for the period 1 April 2002 to 30 June 2002.