Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
129. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange for a review of all agency arrangements for all persons in receipt of disability allowance living in residential care in view of concerns raised by Inclusion Ireland. [49849/12]
View answerI am aware that, in their pre-budget submission, Inclusion Ireland calls for a review of agency arrangements for all persons in receipt of disability allowance living in residential care and to implement the revised Regulations governing agency arrangements set out in Statutory Instrument Number 378 of 2009. These Regulations provide for the payment of social welfare benefits and pensions to a person other than the claimant or beneficiary. A person may be either nominated by the claimant or beneficiary to act as agent and receive the payment on his or her behalf or be appointed by the Minister. The Regulations specify the circumstances in which the Minister may appoint an agent and also set out the duties and responsibilities of the appointed person.
In relation to the disability allowance scheme specifically, the Regulations as set in Statutory Instrument Number 378 of 2009 and previous legislation governing agency arrangements are fully implemented. In May 2012 a letter issued to the agents of these customers who reside in approximately 75 residential care centres reminding them of their responsibilities and duties under the above Regulations.
Issues with the agency arrangements are raised with the Department from time to time and the Department endeavours to resolve them having regard to the best interest of the customer.
If the Deputy or Inclusion Ireland have concerns about any specific case, cases or residential institution, they should forward the details to my Office and I will arrange to have it investigated by the Department.
