Vol. 534 No. 4
178 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the position with regard to people who are over 66 years of age and who work part-time in marts which are now closed due to the foot and mouth crisis; if they are entitled to any compensation as they are not eligible to claim unemployment assistance due to their age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10975/01]
Persons aged 66 years or over may qualify for old age contributory pension, subject to meeting certain qualifying contribution conditions. This payment is not subject to a means test and the recipient can continue to work or have other income such as an occupational pension.
In the case of persons aged 66 years or over who are laid off as a result of foot and mouth disease restrictions and who are not eligible for old age contributory pension, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is the most appropriate of income support scheme. During periods where a person's means may be temporarily insufficient to meet his or her needs, a person can apply for SWA at the local health centre. His or her application will be determined on the basis of his or her current circumstances and immediate needs. A weekly addition may also be paid to a person who is receiving a basic allowance or some other social welfare or health board payment if his or her means are insufficient to meet his or her needs and he or she has specific weekly expenses, for example, rent or mortgage interest, special heating needs or dietary or other expenses.
The existing range of social welfare income support measures is designed to provide income support to low income families in a wide range of circumstances, including those resulting from the current foot and mouth disease crisis.
Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 36.
