Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2005
293 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the oral hearing will be heard in regard to the rent allowance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38687/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims. In determining entitlement to rent supplement, the executive must be satisfied that the applicant has a genuine accommodation need, that the property being rented is suitable to those needs and that a bona fide tenancy exists between the applicant and his or her landlord. In considering whether or not a particular property is suitable to the needs of the applicant, account is taken of the composition of the household, particularly the relationship, age and gender of the people in question.
The southern area of the Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement on the grounds that the accommodation in question was in excess of her needs. While the person concerned was advised of the decision and of her right of appeal, the executive has advised that no appeal has been received to date from her.
