Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
324. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will address concerns that persons eligible for the €5 pension increase may subsequently become ineligible for supplementary welfare payments; the number of pension recipients who may fall into this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11599/17]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the impact of the Budget 2017 increase on those in receipt of diet supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme. Diet supplement is a means tested payment payable to qualifying persons, in receipt of the supplement prior to February 2014, who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition. There are currently 3,400 in receipt of diet supplement at a cost of €4.6 million in 2017.
Following the outcome of a review of the costs of healthy eating and specialised diets by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute commissioned by the Department in 2013, the scheme is closed to new applicants since February 2014. In cases of particular hardship, officials continue to have the legislative power to award a SWA payment in cases of exceptional need.
When the diet supplement was abolished for new applicants, existing recipients continued to receive the 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. Arrangements are being put in place so that the effect of the Budget 2017 increase on weekly social welfare payments will not impact on the payment of diet supplement.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
