Michael Ring
Ceist:179 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been awarded a free fuel allowance. [4923/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
To qualify for a payment under the national fuel scheme, a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfy a means test and satisfy the living alone condition. The person concerned is in receipt of widow's contributory pension, which is a qualifying payment. However, in her most recent application under the national fuel scheme on 21 October 2001, when asked if she lives alone she responded in the negative. She also lists her son by name as residing with her. Consequently, she was refused payment under the national fuel scheme. However, her file has been forwarded to a local officer of my Department for further investigation.