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Exceptional Needs Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Ceisteanna (150)

Derek Keating

Ceist:

150. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Social Protection following the recent circular directive SWA 1/02013 issued on 11 January 2013 regarding supplementary welfare payments that were traditionally paid around the period of Holy Communions and Confirmations as an Exceptional Needs payment for those less well off, if she will outline the amount of money that will be saved in relation to this decision; if she will consider the way the impact of such a decision can be reversed including whether it may have been made on the basis of a State grant for a religious service and, if this is so, if she will confirm the basis of this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3919/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. ENPs are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The Government has provided €47.6m for the scheme in 2013.

A review of the guidelines on exceptional needs payments was carried out by the Department by a working group made up of former community welfare service staff. One of the recommendations emanating from this review is to address the different approaches taken, in different areas, in relation to the payment of exceptional needs payments in respect of religious ceremonies, mainly Communions and Confirmations, and to ensure that the SWA scheme is responding to financial need and not occasions. For 2013, the Department has recommended that payment of the allowance specifically in respect of religious ceremonies will cease. Applications can continue to be made under the scheme for assistance with child clothing.

I have no plans to reverse this position as these measures will ensure that the ENP Scheme will continue to respond to specific need and not to the occasion. It is expected that savings in the region of €1.5 million will be achieved by this measure. Persons who consider that they have an entitlement to an ENP under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme should contact the local officials administering the scheme.

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