Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

John McGuinness

Question:

127 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if supplementary welfare allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if the case of this person will be approved for funding in view of the medical condition and hardship of her case. [13323/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

I understand the person concerned has been referred by her GP for a medical examination abroad. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides assistance to people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. In determining entitlement to a payment under the scheme the health board must be satisfied that a need exists which cannot be met from other sources and the need merits the award of a payment under the scheme.

As a general rule, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is not used to fund medical services and costs directly incurred in the delivery of medical services. Health boards have statutory responsibility to administer the supplementary welfare allowance scheme on behalf of my Department and therefore a decision in this case is a matter for the board.

The provision of medical services is a matter for the health boards where an individual requires specific treatment which is necessary and which is not available in Ireland. A health board may authorise the provision of treatment in another member state by issuing form E112. There are specific conditions and criteria that apply in such cases and it is a matter for the health board to determine if such treatment is to be authorised.

Michael Ring

Question:

128 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for the old age contributory pension. [13272/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The person concerned applied for old age contributory pension on 7 April 2003. She has been awarded pension at the 75% rate on the basis of a yearly average of 15 contributions over the relevant period with effect from 21 November 1997.

Arrears of pension for the period 21 November 1997 to 5 April 2001, less the amount already paid to her husband in respect of her for this period, will be issued to her shortly. From 21 November 1997 to 5 April 2001 she was financially better off in receipt of a contributory pension in her own right. However, from 6 April 2001, the allowance in payment to her husband in respect of her as a qualified adult was greater than the pension to which she is entitled. In these circumstances, the allowance will continue to be paid to her husband in lieu of her pension as this is more advantageous to the couple.

Michael Ring

Question:

129 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an unemployment benefit appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [13273/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 17 September 2001 and during the periods from 18 February 2002 to 27 March 2002 and from 8 April 2002 to 31 May 2002 while she was a full time student. As a result a deciding officer decided that she was not entitled to payment for these periods. Accordingly, she has been assessed with an overpayment of €1,661.49.

The person concerned has appealed this decision and the appeals officer is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible. Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.