Written Answers Nos. 174-184
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding determination of entitlement to invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23597/13]
View answerInvalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who found that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. Accordingly, the deciding officer confirmed the original decision and notified the claimant of the outcome of the review. The claimant was also notified of her right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm receipt of requested information in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin as set out by her Department’s inspector; if any of the five items requested remain outstanding thereby preventing determination of eligibility in respect of carer’s allowance and rent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23598/13]
View answerI can confirm that the Department received an application for Carer's Allowance from the person concerned on 1st November 2012. The application was sent to a social welfare investigative officer for assessment of means. The investigative officer interviewed the person concerned on 14th March 2013.
During the course of the interview five additional supporting documents were requested, and these were received at a later date. However the investigative officer was not in a position to determine the means of the person concerned as he did not receive a satisfactory explanation regarding the reasons for, or funding of, any absences from the State. The person concerned was also requested to provide their passport but this was not forthcoming. Following completion of the investigative officer’s report on the matter, a deciding officer disallowed the application on the grounds that she failed to disclose her means. The person concerned was notified of this decision and of her right to review or appeal in a letter that issued on 25th of April 2013.
If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision she may request a review or may submit an appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which adequate care is likely to be available in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23599/13]
View answerThe person concerned should contact her local Community Welfare Officer at the earliest available opportunity whereupon any possible social welfare entitlements that she may have can be identified.
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when rent allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23601/13]
View answerThe rent supplement claim from the person concerned has been awarded with effect from 12th November 2012 and has been paid up to date.
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way resolution is likely to be achieved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is deemed to have left their previous accommodation without good cause notwithstanding the fact that information submitted clearly indicates a breakdown of relationship with them and their landlord; if she will confirm that the breakdown of relationship with landlord is sufficient to merit good cause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23602/13]
View answerIn cases of disputes between private landlords and tenants on Rent Supplement, the Department advises that both parties contact the PRTB for a resolution. Similarly, in cases where there is a dispute or issues between RAS landlords and their tenants (or tenants in any Local Authority accommodation) the Department advises both parties to contact the Local Authority in the first instance to resolve the issue. The person concerned should contact the Local Authority to resolve the issue and to be placed back on the housing list.
With reference to previous PQ’s on this matter (18136/13 and 15901/13) the person concerned has appealed the decision made.
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the alternative method of identification, if any, acceptable in respect of registration for public service card for persons holding neither driver's licence nor passport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23603/13]
View answerThe Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, a rules based standard for establishing and authenticating an individual’s identity for the purposes of access to public services. This programme of work, which is known as the Standard Authentication Framework Environment or SAFE for short, also provides for the introduction of a Public Services Card (PSC) to enable individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible.
A PSC is currently issued following a registration process which involves the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of identity data already held by the Department. As part of the registration process, applicants are requested to provide documentation supporting the authentication of their identity. This is most easily achieved through the presentation of secure photographic ID (such as a passport, National Identity card or driver’s licence).
The process does take into account that some people will not have such documents. In the main, these will be UK or Irish nationals as, to be present in the jurisdiction, others will require a valid passport or National ID card. The process for applicants without photo ID involves a more in-depth interview focussing on the verification of information supplied by the individual or otherwise available to the Department based on their personal circumstances.
180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding and appeal in respect of refusal of disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if the appeal is likely to be determined at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23604/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd April 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these have been received, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the full extent of family income supplement or jobseeker's allowance including ADA and CDA paid in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23605/13]
View answerAccording to the records of this Department family income supplement was not paid to the persons concerned. A total of €634.20 jobseeker’s allowance was paid in the case of the first person concerned for the period 20 May 2010 to 01 June 2010 and the payments included an increase in respect of a qualified adult and a qualified child.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a PPS number will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23606/13]
View answerThe process for allocating a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number normally involves an application in person at one of my Department’s PPS Number allocation centres.
In respect of the particular case raised by the Deputy, the person attended Newbridge PPS Number allocation centre on the 9th of May. However, the documents presented by the person have been retained for examination. Once this examination has been completed, my Department will be in contact with the person.
