Written Answers Nos. 126-133
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the refusal of an application for carer's benefit or determine eligibility for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25190/14]
View answerThe department received an application for carer’s benefit from the person in question for one care recipient on 27 March 2014. The person concerned was refused carer’s benefit on the grounds that PRSI conditions and employment conditions were not satisfied as laid down in carer’s benefit legislation. He was notified of this decision on 13 May 2014.
The person concerned was advised of his possible entitlement to carer’s allowance and an application form was issued to him on 13 May 2014. On receipt of the completed form, his entitlement will be assessed as soon as possible and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an upskilling or training course in travel and tourism at level 5 will be offered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25192/14]
View answerThe person concerned currently holds asylum seeker status and should contact local employment services office in Newbridge for further information.
128. 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 Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25198/14]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection has no record of any application for a PPS Number from the person mentioned.
In order for a person to be allocated a PPS Number, she or he must verify his or her identity and also demonstrate the requirement for one to be issued, i.e., that a transaction with a specified public body is to be carried out.
Generally, application for a PPS Number requires attendance at a PPS Number Registration Centre. The PPS Number Registration Centre for Dublin is located at Kings Inn Street just off Parnell Street in Dublin city centre.
The process involves evidence of identity and address being examined, verified and recorded. Further details in relation to the process and the documents required are set out on the Department’s website.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent supplement has been or will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25200/14]
View answerFollowing on from receipt of a rent supplement application from this client, a request for further information issued from the Department on 6 June 2014. On receipt of this information, the application will be fully assessed and a decision notified to the client.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to any payment in respect of upskilling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25208/14]
View answerThe person concerned has been invited to a meeting with a case officer this week in order to discuss the training options available to her.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an appeal or set aside the decision to recover overpayment of invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25210/14]
View answerIn accordance with Department of Social Protection guidelines all debts are pursed with the aim of recouping the debt within the shortest possible timeframe. To this end the Department may withhold all arrears due to a customer and implement weekly deductions of up to 15% of the personal rate without the written consent of the customer in order to recover a debt.
As the Deputy is aware from previous enquiries on this matter, arrangements have been put in place to withhold arrears of invalidity pension and to commence deductions of €29 per week.
Also, as previously advised, the person concerned was offered the opportunity to comment on the proposal and to provide relevant facts and evidence of circumstances that he wished to be considered prior to a recovery plan being implemented. To date, the person concerned has not contacted the Department regarding proposed weekly deductions or provided any relevant information pertaining to his current financial circumstances. Without such information, there is nothing for the Department to review or consider in relation to this matter. It is still open to the person concerned to provide material for review and it will be considered fully and promptly.
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to set out the correct level of jobseeker's allowance paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose spouse works part-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25211/14]
View answerThe jobseeker’s allowance for the person concerned was reviewed in April 2014. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to set out the maximum rent support available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25220/14]
View answerThe client concerned has not made application to the Department for rent supplement. An application has now issued to the client, who should complete same and return it to the Mid Leinster Rents Unit, PO Box 11758, Dublin 24 for assessment and reply.
