Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2015
46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 26 May 2015, if equality legislation is being observed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22567/15]
View answerRent supplement is subject to a means test which is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. The application of the means test is premised on ensuring that the supplement is paid to those most in need.
Nothing in Equality legislation precludes the Oireachtas from enacting laws that establish criteria, rules or eligibility conditions governing access to support and services provided by the State. The means testing rules provided for by the Oireachtas in the Social welfare Acts establish the criteria and eligibility conditions that govern access to social welfare payments and, in so doing, fully observe Equality legislation and Equality principles.
