Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 4

Written Answers. - Mortgage Relief.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if and when mortgage relief towards arrears of mortgage will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5262/02]

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

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards and neither I nor my Department have any function in deciding entitlement in individual cases. Under the terms of the scheme payment of a weekly or monthly supplement may be made in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs.

My Department contacted the South-Western Area Health Board in relation to this particular case. The board stated that in her most recent contact with them, she indicated that she wished to withdraw her application for a mortgage interest supplement. In the circumstances, this matter is now regarded as closed.