Vol. 438 No. 3
66 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that a free fuel allowance is paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is an invalidity pension recipient; and the reason that every time this person receives a rise in social welfare payments his Eastern Health Board diet allowance is reduced.
Fuel allowances are payable to persons in receipt of long term social welfare or health board payments provided certain other conditions are fulfilled. The main conditions for receipt of the allowance are that persons must be living alone or with a qualified dependant.
The person concerned was refused a fuel allowance in July 1992 on the grounds that he did not fulfil the "living alone" condition because his daughter, who was in employment, was residing with him at the time.
However, as there may be a change in his circumstances since 1992, a free fuel allowance application form has been issued to him and his entitlement to this allowance will be reconsidered on receipt of the completed application.
Social welfare recipients who have a special dietary requirement arising from a health condition and whose means are insufficient to meet this need, may qualify for an additional payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Entitlement to payment of a diet supplement is determined by the Eastern Health Board by reference to standard costed diets. The supplement paid is in respect of the additional cost of the special diet over and above the amount the person would be expected to pay for a normal diet. The cost of the diets are reviewed each year to coincide with the budget increases in social welfare payments. The normal diet is calculated as a percentage of the person's income and where social welfare payments are increased at a rate in excess of inflation, the amount of the diet supplement may be reduced.
The Eastern Health Board has established a committee to review the administration of diet supplements. The board expects the recommendations of the committee to be presented shortly.
