Tony Gregory
Question:143 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, who received a clothing allowance in 1992, was refused this allowance in 1993.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance, health boards may make a payment to meet an exceptional need to people who are in receipt of a social welfare or health board payment. There is no standard clothing scheme operated by health boards, however, a board may help with the cost of clothing where exceptional circumstances arise.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that the person concerned received a payment in respect of clothing earlier this year and that her spouse received a payment towards clothing last week. The couple also received back-to-school clothing payments for their two children in August. It is understood that her recent application in respect of clothing was refused because her case was not considered to be exceptional. It is open to the person concerned to appeal the decision of the board.