Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
307 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27726/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is seeking rent supplement at a rate to cover both himself and his child. In cases where parents have joint custody of a child, the needs of both parents to have adequate accommodation to look after the child are taken into account when an application for a rent supplement is being determined. However, as the child is already accommodated with his mother, he has been requested to reduce the rate to the limit applied for a single person in Kildare. The person concerned can be facilitated when this reduction has taken place.
308 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a rent allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27732/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
