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Thursday, 2 May 2013

Written Answers Nos. 132-140

Jobseeker's Allowance Applications

Questions (132)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure to be followed and entitlement to jobseeker's allowance or other social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21061/13]

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Written answers

The jobseeker allowance claim of the person concerned is currently under review and information has been requested from her to facilitate this review. She has been informed by the Department that the requested information must be submitted by the 21/05/2013 and that failure to do so will result in the suspension of her payment.

Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Questions (133)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21062/13]

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Written answers

The rents unit wrote to the person concerned on 30th January 2013 requesting information about any maintenance she may be receiving. In her reply she stated that she has not sought such maintenance. Subsequently on 25th April 2013 she was advised to apply for court orders for maintenance.

Her rent supplement has been paid up to 30th April 2013. Payments are now suspended pending receipt of a standard letter that Dublin District Family Law Office can provide for her stating that she has applied to the District Court for a hearing, and that a date for hearing has been set. Generally this can be done within a day. Her rent supplement will then be re-instated, and her means re-assessed in the future should she get a maintenance order from the Court.

Social Welfare Benefits Applications

Questions (134)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way it is expected the family of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin can exist in view of the refusal of jobseeker's allowance and rent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21063/13]

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Written answers

The person concerned made a repeat claim for Jobseeker's Allowance in December 2012, following disallowance of an earlier claim in August 2011 which was upheld on appeal in September 2012.

Following investigation, the Jobseeker's Allowance claim has been disallowed as the person concerned failed to provide evidence of their circumstances and means as part of the means assessment process. The person concerned has a right to appeal this decision.

Alternatively, the Jobseeker's Allowance claim can be reviewed at the local office if the outstanding information is provided to enable a means assessment be completed.

As there is currently no entitlement to a primary social welfare payment, the person concerned is not entitled to Rent Supplement.

It is understood that the current family income comprises Domiciliary Care Allowance, Child Benefit, and income from part-time earnings. If it is not considered that the current family income is adequate to meet the family's needs, they may make an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance. If such an application is made evidence of means and circumstances will be requested.

Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

Questions (135)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has taken up employment, nightshift only, and who has found their health has suffered as a result; if any options are available to them in these circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21064/13]

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Written answers

To date the person concerned has not lodged a claim with the Department in relation to a health issue. If the person concerned has health issues they should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. The General Practitioner will make an assessment of their capacity for work as part of this consultation. If they are certified as medically unfit for work they can then apply for illness or injury benefit via a claim form available from their General Practitioner.

Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

Questions (136)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlements, if any, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21065/13]

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Written answers

According to the records of this Department there is no recent application for a payment from the person concerned. It is therefore not possible to determine her current entitlements.

Illness Benefit Appeals

Questions (137)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review or accept an appeal regarding refusal of illness benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21066/13]

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Written answers

The person concerned claimed illness benefit with effect from 08 August 2011. They were found not eligible for illness benefit following an in person assessment by a Departmental medical assessor on 18 April 2013. Following this finding, it was decided to disallow his claim from 26 April 2013 and he was notified of the decision to disallow his claim in writing. As part of this notification, the person concerned was advised of his right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

It is open to him to appeal against the above referred to decision to disallow his illness benefit claim.

The appeal should be made in writing within 21 days of notification of the Deciding Officer's decision and should set out the grounds on which the decision is disputed.

Exceptional Needs Payment Eligibility

Questions (138)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which exceptional needs payment might be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21067/13]

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Written answers

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.

The costs incurred by the person concerned in providing a diabetic diet for her daughter are on-going in nature and therefore are not eligible for funding by way of exceptional needs payments.

Public Sector Pensions Expenditure

Questions (139)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

139. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form information on lump sum payments (details supplied) paid to retiring public sector workers between March 2011 and March 2013. [21585/13]

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Written answers

The table below provides the details requested by the Deputy in relation to the lump sum payments made to staff who retired from my Department between March 2011 and March 2013.

Lump sum amounts

2011 March - December

2012 January - December

2013 January – March

0 - 10,000

4

10

1

10,001 – 20,000

6

11

4

20,001 – 30,000

7

26

4

30,001 – 40,000

24

19

3

40,001 – 50,000

8

32

1

50,001 – 60,000

8

28

2

60,001 – 70,000

10

50

NIL

70,001 – 80,000

10

35

2

80,001 – 90,000

9

47

2

90,001 – 100,000

5

13

NIL

100,001 – 150,000

5

17

3

150,001 – 200,000

1

3

NIL

200,001 – 250,000

NIL

1

NIL

Over 250,000

NIL

NIL

NIL

Arts Centres

Questions (140)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

140. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans in relation to the development of an Arts centre (details supplied); the progress or actions that have taken place thus far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20957/13]

View answer

Written answers

The property in question is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works, and any questions relating to the future use of the building should be addressed to that Office.

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