The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, administered on my behalf by the community welfare staff of the Health Service Executive, is one of several social assistance schemes which, with effect from 1 May 2004, is subject to a habitual residence condition.
The Health Service Executive was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the persons concerned were refused supplementary welfare allowance on the grounds that they did not satisfy the habitual residency condition. The executive has further advised that given the exceptional circumstances surrounding the case, it has provided for the accommodation and basic living costs for the family of the person concerned pending the result of court proceedings on 4 April 2006. The executive has also advised that it is not in a position to use the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to pay costs arising from legal proceedings. However, it will fund the family's repatriation costs following the court hearing in view of the exceptional circumstances in this case.
I am satisfied that, given the circumstances surrounding this case, the Health Service Executive has done everything within its powers to provide for the needs of the family concerned, in keeping with the Government's policy on access to the social welfare system by people not habitually resident in Ireland.