Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:336. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria for coeliacs to receive dietary allowance. [17530/14]
View answerTuesday, 15 April 2014
Questions (336)
Written answers
Diet supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, is payable to qualifying persons who have been prescribed a special diet, including gluten free, as a result of a specified medical condition. The numbers in receipt of the scheme have been declining in recent years from 12,000 in 2006 to a current figure of some 5,800 which is expected to cost around €3 million in 2014. The scheme is now closed to new applicants from 1 February 2014.
During 2013, the Department commissioned the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) to update their previous research published in 2006 and updated in 2007 on the costs of healthy eating and specialised diets. Pricing for a selection of foods based on branded and own label foods was surveyed in a sample of retail outlets for each diet. These outlets included large stores, large low cost stores, medium sized stores and convenience stores.
The research shows that the range of costs associated with a specialised diet is influenced mainly by the shopping location with the lowest costs being the large discount store and the highest cost the convenience store. In general choice was found to be limited in convenience stores with regard to healthier options. The more specialised the diet, for example gluten free, the more the individual is required to frequent the larger stores in order to be able to purchase the necessary foods. The research showed that the average costs across all of the retail outlets of the diets supplemented under the scheme can be met from within one third of the minimum personal rate of social welfare payment, i.e. the SWA rate of €186 per week. On the basis of this evidence, I decided to discontinue the scheme.
Existing recipients as at end January 2014 will continue to receive the diet supplement at the current rate of payment for as long as they continue to have an entitlement to the scheme or until their circumstances change. This will allow existing customers to adjust to the new arrangements and anticipate how they will be affected by any future change in their circumstances. It also ensures that nobody is immediately worse off by the closure of the scheme.
In cases of hardship that may present, officials have the legislative power to award a payment under the SWA scheme in cases of exceptional need. Any person experiencing difficulties should contact the officer administering SWA who may be able to provide assistance.