Wednesday, 10 Jun 2015

Written Answers Nos. 43-49

Rent Supplement Scheme Data

Questions (43)

Tom Fleming

Question:

43. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of rent supplement allowance who have been requested for review more than twice, between the dates 1 July 2014 and 31 May 2015, inclusive, in view of the fact this is unnecessary and imposes an administrative cost on the State to carry out repeat reviews which entail administrative duties on the client, the client's landlord, the local county council and her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22553/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

There are currently approximately 68,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015.

Rent supplement claims are generally reviewed once to twice yearly. Reviews are a key control of the scheme ensuring that the correct rate of the supplement is paid to those who continue to meet the conditions of the scheme. Statistics are not maintained regarding the number of rent supplement reviews undertaken.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (44)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

44. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a review of an application for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22554/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 10th December 2014. The person concerned was refused carers allowance on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. She was notified on the 27th of February 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further evidence in support of the application. The review is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Disability Allowance Applications

Questions (45)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will accept this Parliamentary Question as notice of a review-appeal request in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding the recent refusal of that person's application for a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22566/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

On the basis of your representations, a review of the entitlement of the person concerned is currently being processed. The person concerned will be notified in writing when a decision has been made.

Rent Supplement Scheme Eligibility

Questions (46)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

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]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

Rent 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.

Question No. 47 withdrawn.

Disability Allowance Appeals

Questions (48)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when payment will be received in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 whose appeal was recently allowed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22569/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I confirm the Department received an application for disability allowance which was refused on medical grounds. Notification of this decision issued on 5 January 2015.

Subsequently, the person concerned submitted an appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Notification that the appeal was allowed was received by the department on 5 June 2015. The file will be assigned to a deciding officer to implement the Appeals Officer’s decision shortly.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (49)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

49. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a carer's allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22577/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the Department received applications for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 12th March 2015. The applications are currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.