Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment, or no predetermined amounts under the different categories for exceptional needs payments. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.