Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
191 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if free travel will be granted for Irish senior citizens who are based in Britain, when they return here on visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32434/04]
View answerThe free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years and over. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. It applies to travel within the State and cross-Border journeys between here and Northern Ireland.
The Deputy's proposal to make free travel available to persons in receipt of Irish pensions but living abroad would have to be examined in a budgetary context taking account of the other demands for extension of the free travel scheme and the cost and administrative implications involved. Implications include the current examination of proposals for an all-Ireland travel pass which would apply to all eligible persons resident in both jurisdictions. I intend to keep under consideration the issue raised by the Deputy.
192 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 30 November 2004, if he has received legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General that the refusal of the application is consistent with and fully recognises Article 41 of the Constitution; if this application will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32484/04]
View answerRent supplements are available under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the health boards. Neither I nor my Department has any role in decisions on individual claims.
With effect from 27 May 2003, rent supplement is no longer payable in respect of a person who is awaiting the outcome of his or her claim for asylum. The South Western Area Health Board has advised that the rent supplement application from the person concerned was refused on the grounds that his spouse was seeking asylum here subsequent to the change in rent supplement rules in May 2003. The person concerned was informed of his right of appeal against this decision but has not appealed.
Direct provision arrangements are available through the reception and integration agency to meet the accommodation and other needs of asylum seekers. It remains open to the family concerned to avail of this facility, pending a decision on their residency status. I am satisfied that the decision on rent supplement is in accordance with the legislation.
193 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the fuel allowance for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was discontinued; the amount of subsidy involved in this group scheme run by Dublin City Council; if this allowance will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32578/04]
View answerThe person concerned is in receipt of an old age contributory pension with effect from 20 February 2004. She also receives an electricity allowance from my Department, credited on her ESB bills. The rules of the fuel allowance scheme preclude payment where a person has access to a subsidised heating service. The person concerned is provided with subsidised heating by Dublin City Council, through a service provided by the council to the complex where she resides and, consequently, is not entitled to a fuel allowance.
