Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 3

Written Answers. - Assistance by Community Welfare Officers.

Liz McManus

Question:

111 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is suffering from kidney failure will be assisted by his Community Welfare Officer in the payment of his ESB bill on the grounds that electricity supply is vital for his dialysis machine and that he cannot survive without proper power.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Under the provisions of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, the determination of applications for assistance with fuel bills is a matter for each Health Board.

An exceptional need payment may be made by Health Board towards a fuel debt such as an ESB bill where, in the opinion of the Board, exceptional circumstances exist which would warrant such a payment. It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that the person in question received assistance with his ESB bill in January 1993.

It is open to the person concerned to make an application to the health board for further assistance with his ESB bills. Medical certification outlining the nature of his illness should be supplied to the Health Board in support of his application.