Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in regard to carer’s allowance application in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23094/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 11 August 2004. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied.
The full-time care and attention condition for receipt of the allowance is satisfied and the case was referred to an investigative officer for a means assessment. Her entitlement to carer's allowance will be further considered in light of the investigative officer's report and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
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.
261 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when rent allowance will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who was previously awarded rent support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23095/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubject 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.
