Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:567 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when one parent family allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [18636/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned has been requested to provide certain information on her financial circumstances in order to enable her claim to one parent family payment to be determined. This information has not been supplied. On receipt of the necessary information, a decision will be made and she will be notified of the outcome.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of unemployment benefit at the personal rate of €124.80 and child dependant allowance of €16.80.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:568 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for maternity benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18637/03]
The person concerned made a claim for maternity benefit on 12 June 2003 in respect of her maternity leave which commenced on 10 June 2003. Benefit is payable where a person is in insurable employment covered under the Maternity Protection Act and where they have sufficient PRSI contributions paid.
Based on her social insurance record and the information supplied with her application form, it appears that the person concerned has insufficient PRSI contributions paid to qualify for maternity benefit.
My Department has sought on a number of occasions further information from her employer, who is based in the UK, in relation to PRSI contributions paid in the last twelve months. On receipt of this information her entitlement to maternity benefit will be appropriately determined.
Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.