Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2011
256 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of persons estimated to begin drawing down additional social welfare payments as a gap solution between reaching retirement at age 65 years and receiving the State pension at age 66 years; and the cost to the Exchequer of same. [24775/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position has not changed since the reply to Question No. 136 (PQ Ref No. 23721/11) on 14 September 2011.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 228.
258 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when final decisions will be made on the relocation offers to households whose houses were flooded in autumn 2009; the progress to date; the reason for the delay in progressing this matter since a Government decision was made on same last December; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24788/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions also took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.
Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to provide support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home.
The households have been visited by officials from the Department and reports of their individual circumstances have been completed. The Department has also received reports from the Office of Public Works in relation to the individual households. These reports are being considered at present and the Department expects to be in a position to make a decision on the cases in the coming weeks.
259 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for relocation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway whose house was damaged in the floods in autumn 2009 will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24789/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions also took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.
Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to provide support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home.
The household of the person concerned has been visited by an official from the Department and a report of their individual circumstances has been completed. The Department has received a report from the Office of Public Works in relation to the house of the person concerned and expects to be in a position to make a decision on the case in the coming weeks.
