Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Noel Ahern

Question:

196 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will exempt people, who sell their private houses to the local authority or privately and get a senior citizen flat under the financial contribution scheme, from losing benefits, for example, medical card and fuel allowance in view of the fact they are recycling houses and are being penalised by the revision of means from the proceeds of house sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I understand that the Deputy is referring to a scheme operated by Dublin Corporation whereby a person arranges to sell their house either to the corporation or on the open market and is then housed by the corporation in senior citizen's type accommodation. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the property is retained by the owner.

The national fuel scheme, NFS, is a means tested scheme to assist householders who are on long-term social welfare or health board payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. A person who is already in receipt of a means tested payment and who fulfils the conditions of the scheme will normally qualify for the allowance.

A person who is in receipt of a contributory pension can have a combined household income of up to £30 per week in excess of the relevant maximum contributory pension or capital of up to £22,400 and be eligible for a fuel allowance.

Any change to the qualifying conditions of the scheme would have significant cost implications and could only be considered in a budgetary context.

I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, will be dealing with the medical card aspect of the Deputy's question.