Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

170 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was deemed to be cohabiting, and therefore disqualified, for one parent family payment from 1999 to the present; if so, the basis for this anomaly; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person is still in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance; if he will re-examine the one parent family payment of the person in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/02]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

An application by the person concerned for one-parent family payment was refused on the grounds that she was cohabiting. She appealed this decision and, following an oral hearing, and taking account of all the circumstances of the case, an appeals officer upheld the original decision. The appeals officer's decision is final and can be reviewed only in the light of new facts or fresh evidence. If there has been any further change in the circumstances of the person concerned, she should contact the Department in this regard and her case will be reviewed. She is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at the rate of €152.40 per week. Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.