Michael Ring
Question:144 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome for the back to education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [45520/10]
View answerWednesday, 1 December 2010
Questions (142, 143, 144)
Written answers
The person concerned applied for a back to education allowance (BTEA) payment in September 2010 to pursue a FETAC level 5 child care course. Her application was disallowed as she already holds a qualification at an equivalent or higher level. This decision has now been referred to a reviewing officer. This review will be carried out as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome.
Richard Bruton
Question:145 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if the award of domiciliary care allowance to a person on rent supplement results in an equal reduction in the payment of rent supplement; if he would consider that domiciliary care allowance is precisely paid by the State in order to compensate for the extra cost of maintaining a child with a disability and should not therefore be treated as means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45560/10]
View answerRent supplement is calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum rent contribution (currently €24) which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Income from domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is not included in the rent supplement assessment. DCA is a payment made in recognition of the substantial extra care and attention provided by the carer to a child with a disability over and above what would be required for a child of a similar age who does not suffer from the disability.
John O'Mahony
Question:146 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person is in receipt of any social welfare allowance, does the person receive extra payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45567/10]
View answerThere are no payments made by the Department of Social Protection towards the cost of caring for a dog.