Vol. 436 No. 1
95 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12 did not qualify for ESB/Gas bill assistance from the Eastern Health Board in view of the fact that his Department's announcement gave the impression that they would and yet the reply from the health board states that they must have experienced unforeseen or exceptional circumstances, for example, fire or floods; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, an exceptional need payment may be made by health boards 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, which is responsible for the administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in the Dublin area, that the person in question was refused an exceptional needs payment in respect of ESB bills because his case was not considered to be exceptional. The person concerned did, however, receive assistance towards clothing. It is open to the person to appeal the decision of the board.
