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Gnáthamharc

Social Welfare Benefits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (1107, 1108)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

1290 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a diet allowance will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if a response will be expedited. [21257/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Recipients of social welfare or health board payments who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition, and whose means are insufficient to meet their needs, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The South Eastern Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the person concerned has income in excess of the prescribed limit. She does not therefore qualify for a supplement. She has been advised of her right to appeal against this decision but to date there is no record of an appeal.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

1291 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if free travel for our older Irish emigrants will be extended to them when they return to Ireland on their holidays; her views on whether this would get over administrative difficulties as they have already been assessed, and could be a mechanism to ensure free travel for at least this section of our emigrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21384/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. It applies to travel within the State and cross-Border journeys between the State and Northern Ireland. The Deputy's proposal to make free travel available to persons in receipt of Irish pensions but living abroad would have to be examined in a future budgetary context taking account of the other demands for extension of the free travel scheme and the cost and administrative implications involved.

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