Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
412 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who on 4 May 2004 was issued with a HRC1 form to complete; and the nature of this form. [13439/04]
View answerSince 1 May 2004, applicants for a range of social assistance payments have had to satisfy the condition of being habitually resident in Ireland. The purpose of the HRC1 form is to enable persons making a claim for social assistance payments to outline the circumstances of their residency. This allows the Department to make a decision in their case. The person in question claimed unemployment assistance on 4 May 2004. He was asked to complete the HRC1 form so his entitlement for payment could be determined. Other conditions for the receipt of this payment include being available for and genuinely seeking work, as well as satisfying a means test. His application is under consideration and he will be advised of the outcome immediately after a decision is made.
413 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason this person is being forced to return to an abusive environment; the further reason this person, whose income is €159.60 per week, is expected to pay rent of €150 per week; the further reason her Department puts persons is such positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13158/04]
View answerSubject to certain conditions, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards, provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs and who do not have accommodation available from any other source. The North Eastern Health Board, which was contacted about this case, has advised that an application for rent supplement from the person in question was refused because her means exceeded the relevant income limit. The board has further advised that it needs to be satisfied that the person has explored other possible solutions to address her difficulties and that no other more appropriate options remain open to her. The person is expected to pursue the possibility of obtaining a barring order to secure the family home for occupation solely by herself and her child. This could provide a better long-term outcome for the family in question. The circumstances of the case as they have been presented to the board do not justify, in the opinion of the board, the payment of rent supplement. The person has been advised of her right to appeal against the decision.
