Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
539 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to extend the benefits of the free travel pass on an all-Ireland basis; the contacts he has had with Northern Ireland in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1111/05]
View answerSpecial cross-Border arrangements have been in place since 1995 under a scheme that allows southern and northern free travel pass holders to undertake cross-Border journeys free of charge. The introduction of free travel on an all-Ireland basis would enhance the existing arrangements by enabling southern pass holders to make free onward journeys within the North. Similarly, Northern Irish pass holders would be able to make internal journeys within the South free of charge. A number of technical and financial issues need to be resolved if we are to implement an enhanced all-Ireland free travel system. Co-operation is needed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the northern department with responsibility for transport policy, as well as the relevant transport operator companies on either side of the Border.
In September 2004, my predecessor met the Northern Irish minister of state who is responsible for regional development to explore the potential for further co-operation between the two departments on the proposal. They discussed the options and scope for co-funding the scheme and considered various technical issues that arise. Shortly after taking up this post, I wrote to the Minister indicating my wish to move the issue forward. In his response, the Minister indicated that in view of the resources which would have to be made available this issue is not a priority at this stage. I was disappointed with this response and intend to seek a further meeting with the authorities in Northern Ireland in the near future to examine ways of progressing the issue.
540 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans in negotiations with his UK counterpart, to ensure that holders of free travel passes from his Department can avail of similar services when they are visiting the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1112/05]
View answerThe free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or 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. A variety of travel concessions are granted by most EU member states to retired pensioners. The scope of the concession schemes and the reductions available vary widely from country to country.
While discussions have taken place with the Northern Ireland authorities on the possibility of introducing an all-Ireland free travel scheme, no discussions have taken place with the UK Government or transport companies operating in the UK about them providing transport services to Irish free travel passholders. A report, Towards a Senior Euro Pass, was commissioned by the social affairs directorate of the European Commission in 1997. The report recommended that EU member states should move towards having a senior euro pass card which would entitle older people to concessions on various services, including travel, cultural and social activities. The Department of Social and Family Affairs submitted observations on the report's recommendations at the time, as did other Departments and statutory and non-statutory bodies. The introduction of such an initiative would have to be developed at EU level.
541 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to reach agreement in respect of recovery of overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1172/05]
View answerSubject to certain conditions, including a means test, diet supplements are provided for under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. As I have outlined to the Deputy in previous questions by him on the matter, a significant overpayment of diet supplement was made to the person concerned arising from his failure to notify the community welfare officer when he commenced employment. The person concerned was advised of the amount of the overpayment involved and asked to submit his proposals for repayment of the substantial sum due. His initial offer of a low weekly amount was deemed not to be sufficient in the light of his aggregate income level. The officer was in further contact with the person last week and it is expected that appropriate repayment arrangements will be finalised shortly.
542 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the correct rate of unemployment assistance payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1175/05]
View answerThe information available to the Department of Social and Family Affairs indicates that the person concerned arrived in the State in November 2002 and sought asylum. Her asylum application was refused in May 2004. As a result she is not entitled to seek employment in Ireland and the question of payment of unemployment assistance does not arise in her case. The Government has decided that the most appropriate way to cater for the basic needs of asylum seekers is through the system of direct provision operated by the reception and integration agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This service provides asylum seekers with full-board accommodation, laundry and other facilities.
In addition, they are entitled to receive a weekly personal allowance in respect of personal requisites, provided at present through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered by the community welfare staff of the Health Service Executive. The rate of the allowance is €19.10 in respect of an adult and €9.60 in respect of a child. An asylum seeker who refuses or vacates direct provision accommodation without the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform remains entitled to this reduced rate of personal allowance only.
The person concerned has chosen not to avail of the accommodation services available through direct provision. In the circumstances she is in receipt of her full entitlement of basic supplementary welfare allowance at the reduced rate of €19.10 per week.
544 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the benefit being awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be examined to determine the reason a full allowance is not being awarded; if this person is entitled to the disability allowance; and if they are entitled to increased supplementary allowance while waiting for a decision. [1285/05]
View answerThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare staff of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a weekly allowance to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their basic needs. An assessment of household means and needs is carried out to determine the amount of assistance payable. The southern regional office was contacted about this case and has advised that the person concerned had been in receipt of a basic allowance at a reduced rate to bring the level of household income to the appropriate supplementary welfare allowance rate.
In the course of a recent review it came to light that the wife of the person has additional income from part-time employment. Following a revised assessment, his increased means exceed the statutory limit for supplementary welfare allowance purposes and he is not entitled to payment. He had not notified the HSE of the relevant increase in his household income with the result that he was overpaid supplementary welfare allowance. Arrangements will be made shortly with the person concerned to repay the amount due.
With regard to his claim for disability allowance the person concerned applied to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in June 2004. He was examined by a medical assessor from the Department who advised that he was not eligible on medical grounds for an allowance. Accordingly his application was disallowed. He has appealed against this decision. Arrangements have been made for a medical assessor to review his medical condition shortly. His entitlement to disability allowance will be determined on the basis of the medical re-assessment and his means. He will be notified of the outcome.
