andMr. Harte asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make provision for the free electricity allowance and free television licence in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal, in view of the facts of this case.
Written Answers . - Social Welfare Benefits .
440.
: The position is that, from the information available, this person is not in receipt of one of the qualifying pensions or of disabled person's maintenance allowance. In the circumstances and under the schemes as at present constituted, she cannot be considered for either a free electricity allowance or a free television licence. If, however, the person concerned feels that at any time in the future she satisfies the conditions of the schemes it will be open to her to apply on application forms which are available from any post office, in the case of free television licence scheme or in the case of free electricity allowance from any post office, ESB office, health board, employment exchange or employment office.
441.
andMr. Harte asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the rate of unemployment assistance payable to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal, was reduced in March 1980; why in view of the facts of the case a return to the previous rate of payment has not yet been decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
: The rate of unemployment assistance for the person concerned was reduced because of an increase in his means arising from his wife's earnings.
He appealed against this decision and his circumstances had to be reinvestigated. These investigations have been completed and the appeals officer has restored the means assessment to nil as the person's wife is no longer in employment.
Arrangements have been made to have the arrears paid to the person concerned this week.
442.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the fact that pensions and other payments will be made on three Fridays close to and on holidays at Christmas and New Year, he will order that three payments be made on 19 December.
: Payment of certain pensions and allowances are normally made at post offices on Thursdays and Fridays depending on the category of payment.
It is the usual practice to make advance payment in respect of Christmas week and the same procedure will be followed again this year. Payments due on 25 and 26 December will, accordingly, be made on 18 and 19 December.
The Deputy will recall that the terms of the national understanding provide for a double payment for one week in December 1980 in weekly social welfare payments to long-term social welfare recipients and it is proposed that this payment will be made on 11 and 12 December, as appropriate to the particular pension or allowances.
These arrangements have been made in consultation with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
Similarly arrangements have been made with that Department for the payment on Wednesday 31 December 1980 of pensions and allowances due on Thursday 1 January 1981. Other pensions payable in that week will be paid as usual on Friday, 2 January 1981.