Exceptional Needs Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (129)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection notwithstanding the response to previous enquiries including parliamentary questions, the basis on which it was determined that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare did not qualify for an exceptional needs payment following a recent bereavement which was preceded by a long family illness and given that the person subsequently borrowed from relatives to meet funeral costs; if the decision in this case is in common with other decisions of a similar nature; if she will review the circumstances surrounding this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1398/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

As outlined in reply to the Deputy’s questions Nos. 33251-15 of 29 September 2015, 35119-15 of 8 October 2015 and 38803-15 of 5 November 2015, the person concerned undertook to provide written confirmation of the loan she received to meet the funeral costs. As this documentation was not received, a decision was taken on 13 November 2015 to disallow the application. If the person concerned provides the required documentation, a decision can be made as to whether the case could then be reviewed.