Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
260. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenges that new parents are experiencing due to the rising cost of baby formula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28992/23]
View answerMatters related to social welfare payments are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the Department of Social Protection may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
