Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2006

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Ceisteanna (898, 899)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

972 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons a person (details supplied) had their homeless benefit withdrawn by the then Northern Area Health Board in January 2003; the steps which were taken in relation to this case to ensure that the benefits were not being incorrectly suspended; the appeals or reviews of this case which were undertaken; the process this person should follow in order to have their benefits reinstated for the period until June 2005 when they became housed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28862/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.

The Health Service Executive has advised that following a review of the claim of the person concerned, payment of supplementary welfare allowance was suspended in January 2003. The person concerned was requested to contact the community welfare services so that the review of his claim could be completed, but has not done so to date. The Executive has further advised that the decision was appealed to the Executive's Appeals Officer but the appeal was subsequently withdrawn by the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to discuss his entitlements to supplementary welfare allowance with the Executive, he should contact his local community welfare officer in this regard.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

973 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when mortgage support will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29188/06]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme which includes rent and mortgage interest supplements is administered on behalf of my Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.

The Health Service Executive has advised that it has received an application for a mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. The Executive further advises that it has yet to make a determination on the matter and the person concerned will be advised of the position as soon as possible.