Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
244 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has conducted an analysis of the impact on recipients of the dietary supplement of the cuts placed on the supplement a year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26429/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecipients 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 food needs may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards.
Diet supplements are subject to a means test. The amount of supplement payable depends on which of two categories of diet has been prescribed by the applicant's medical advisor and the income of the individual and his or her dependants.
The basis for calculating the amount of diet supplement had remained unchanged since 1996. Subsequent increases in social welfare rates and in the cost of special diets had not been taken into account in assessing entitlement in individual cases.
With effect from 1 January 2004, the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996. In the case of new applicants for diet supplement, the amount of supplement payable is based on revised diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets, or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple. People who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their case.
In order to inform future consideration of the scheme, my Department has commissioned a short study by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute to establish what constitutes a standard healthy nutritional diet and how the cost of such a diet relates to the current rate of social welfare payments. The study will also examine the special diets currently prescribed in legislation which attract assistance in the form of a diet supplement and examine the appropriate level of assistance required to allow individuals cater for any additional costs involved in providing for special diets. The study is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
As previously stated, I have instructed my Department to conduct a review of a number of adjustments to particular welfare schemes, including alterations to the dietary supplements, that were introduced last year. That review is currently under way and I expect that it will be concluded soon.
245 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved the carer’s allowance. [26431/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations was not required in this case. She was notified of the decision, the reason therefor and her right to appeal on 22 September 2004.
She lodged an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 7 October 2004. As part of this process, the additional medical evidence provided in support of this appeal has been submitted to the chief medical advisor of my Department for consideration. If this medical evidence provides grounds for a more favourable assessment of the person concerned the decision will be revised to reflect this.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.
246 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an unemployment assistance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be determined; the number of letters this person has submitted as proof that he is genuinely seeking work; the number of letters needed to show that he is actively looking for work; the reason this person’s unemployment assistance was stopped; when this case will be dealt with; if an oral hearing is necessary in this case; if so, when it will be scheduled; and when this person’s unemployment assistance will be restored. [26432/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no specific number of job applications which would be automatically accepted as evidence that a person is available for or genuinely seeking work. The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 21 September 2004 when, following a review of his claim that took account of all the available evidence, including replies to seven job applications, the deciding officer disallowed the claim on the basis that he was not available for full-time employment and was not genuinely seeking employment.
The person concerned has appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The appeal has been referred to the appeals officer, who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is required. He will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made. Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.
