Subject to certain conditions the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards, provides for the payment of rent supplement. With effect from 1 May 2004 new applications for rent supplement are subject to a habitual residence condition.
The Midland Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the person concerned applied for rent supplement in July 2004 following a change of accommodation.
Her application was refused on the ground that she is not deemed to be habitually resident in the State. She applied for asylum and was offered accommodation in a direct provision centre but refused. The board has further advised that she appealed against the decision on her rent supplement application to the health board appeals officer. Her appeal was unsuccessful and she has now appealed to the social welfare appeals office. As the Deputy will appreciate I have no function in the appeals process.