Vol. 540 No. 1
382 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will clarify the situation in relation to persons (details supplied); when approval will be given to their application for free telephone rental submitted on medical grounds in summer 2000; if other entitlements such as payments and free schemes are being allowed; if he will grant free telephone rental if the application cannot be traced. [19820/01]
The person concerned applied for a telephone allowance on 5 October 2000. The application was not processed and, regrettably, despite an extensive search, the application and relevant papers could not be found.
My Department has asked the person concerned to resubmit medical evidence so that a decision can be made on his application. When this information is received, an early decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay. If the allowance is awarded it will be backdated to the date of receipt of the original application.
The person concerned was awarded an electricity allowance and free television licence in November 1996. He is also in receipt of a retirement pension, which includes an allowance in respect of his spouse. He may be entitled to a fuel allowance provided that the household income, apart from his pension payment, does not exceed £30 per week. Information about this allowance and an application form have been sent to him.
The inconvenience caused to the person by the delay and the need to supply the medical evidence again is regretted. My Department has sent a letter of apology to him.
