Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Ceisteanna (119, 120)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the recourse that remains available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been refused rent allowance on the grounds that they did not have care or joint care of their children despite having submitted court evidence to the contrary and who is assessed by the housing authority as being in need of accommodation for himself and one child; if she will indicate the reason no rent allowance at all was made available for the period in question; if the case will be fully examined with a view to clarification as to the circumstances surrounding the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13193/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned had no court approved access to his child prior to the application for rent supplement. Hence, the Department consistently requested that the client reduce his rent to the single limit for Kildare in order to qualify for rent supplement. However, the client has not complied with any of the requests to date. When the person concerned renegotiates the rent to the appropriate limit applicable, the Department will be in a position to assist him.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 353 of 28 February 2012, the level of rent support paid to the person in question and specifically on what grounds according to their household circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13194/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The persons concerned are in receipt of payments which are in excess of the prescribed income rates applicable. The income limit appropriate for this couple is €312.80 per week. However, the household is in receipt of an average income of €496.78 per week and is thus entitled to a monthly rent supplement of €62.40.