Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 727: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason it took from 5 January 2005 to 10 August 2005 to make a decision on farm assist for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if this person can sign for credits from January 2005. [24687/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A deciding officer assessed the weekly means of the person concerned at €355 derived from income from spouse earnings and from a holding. This assessment exceeds the maximum weekly rate of farm assist payable, which in her case is €174. Her application for farm assist was disallowed and she was notified accordingly on 10 August 2005. The delay in processing this case is regretted. Further information was subsequently received from the person concerned and the case was referred back to the inspector. On receipt of his report a decision will be made and she will be notified of the outcome.

Credited contributions maybe awarded in respect of periods spent on farm assist, subject to the claimant satisfying certain social insurance related conditions. In the event that farm assist is awarded to the person concerned, from the date of application, credited contributions will be granted, based on her contribution record. Should she not qualify for farm assist the question of the award of unemployment credits will have to be examined separately. To qualify for unemployment credits a person must, inter alia, be available for and genuinely seeking work.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 728: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for the household benefits package. [24688/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned has been awarded an electricity allowance with effect from 5 September 2005. The relevant service provider has been notified to apply the allowance to the account. A free lifetime television licence has also been awarded with effect from the expiry date of the customer's current TV licence. The person concerned did not apply for a telephone allowance and stated on his application form that he did not have a telephone.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 729: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the unemployment benefit appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be resolved. [24691/05]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 732: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the unemployment benefit. [24752/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 729 and 732 together.

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 27 June 2005. The deciding officer disallowed the claim on the grounds that the person was not available for or genuinely seeking employment. She has appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office. An appeals officer has considered the case and is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. The person concerned will be notified of the time, date and venue of the hearing when these have been arranged.

Under social welfare legislation decisions relating 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.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 730: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the respite care grant. [24693/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned was awarded the respite care grant and payment was made to him on 23 August 2005.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 731: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for the respite care grant will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24694/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned applied for a respite care grant on 10 May 2005. The grant was not approved by the deciding officer on the basis of the medical evidence. The person appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office. The case was referred to an appeals officer who has decided that further investigations are necessary in this case. The case will be further considered when the investigations have been completed.

Under social welfare legislation decisions relating 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.