Seán Crowe
Question:422 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [13443/04]
View answerTuesday, 11 May 2004
Questions (389)
Written answers
The person concerned made an application for unemployment assistance on 9 January 2003. A deciding officer assessed his means at €31.00 per week, derived from his spouse's income as a part-time teacher. The person concerned appealed the deciding officer's decision. Following an oral hearing of his appeal an appeals officer upheld the deciding officer's decision. An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
The means of the person concerned are currently assessed at nil as his spouse is in receipt of unemployment benefit. His entitlement is €89.40 per week, which is the difference between €229.40, the maximum rate payable to a couple, less €134.80, his spouse's unemployment benefit payment.
The Northern Area Health Board was contacted on behalf of the person in question and has advised that the application for an exceptional needs payment, under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, in respect of clothing was refused on the grounds that no exceptional need had been proven. In the opinion of the board the person's weekly income level is sufficient to cater for normal clothing requirements. The board has further advised that when the application was refused, the person was informed of his right to appeal against the decision to the health board appeals officer.