Michael Ring
Question:203 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not in receipt of a fuel allowance. [32240/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was refused a free fuel allowance due to the fact that a deed transferring her property specified that her heating needs would be discharged by the transferee. The file has now been forwarded to a local officer of the Department for investigation. On receipt of the local officer's report entitlement to free fuel allowance will be re-examined and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
Noel Ahern
Question:204 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will examine legislation relating to means assessment of non-contributory old age pension; if nursing home fees will be allowed as a legitimate expense against PAYE income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32396/01]
There are a number of specific schemes of assistance which are designed to meet accommodation costs, such as nursing home charges. A nursing home subvention is available from the health boards towards meeting the costs of nursing home care. In addition, most nursing homes are approved by the Revenue Commissioners for the purposes of obtaining tax relief on fees paid. In the circumstances, it is not considered necessary to provide additional assistance towards nursing home charges by way of disregarding those charges under the means-tested old age, non-contributory pension scheme.
However, if, as a consequence of the operation of the provisions of the nursing home subvention scheme, the spouse of the person who goes into nursing home care is left with no income or insufficient income to meet their day-to-day living expenses, then this would be a matter which should more properly be addressed, in the first instance, by the Department of Health and Children and the health boards.