Written Answers Nos. 127-133
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determination of an appeal in respect of an application for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45012/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for carer's allowance by the person in question was disallowed on 23 of January 2013. The person in question appealed this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of the application. The decision was reviewed by a deciding officer in the light of the additional evidence supplied but there was no change in the decision and the customer was notified of this on 7 June 2013. All the necessary papers have recently been submitted by the Department to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will be in touch with the person directly regarding the progress of the appeal.
129. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45015/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's decision.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress of an appeal in respect of an application for guardian's payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if an oral hearing will be arranged in this instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45020/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 15th October 2013, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. Your request for an oral hearing in this case has been forwarded to the Appeals Officer.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct amount of rent allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45021/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe client's entitlement has been examined and full entitlement to rent supplement is being paid.
132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the threat to the vital services provided under the community employment and job initiative schemes in a centre (details supplied) due to the cutback in materials and overheads money under the CE scheme this year; the action she will take to preserve these vital services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45078/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment (CE) scheme is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.
St Nicholas of Myra CE scheme has approval for 47 participants and two supervisors in a variety of work experience roles. The project currently receives a material and training grant together with funding for participant allowances and supervisor wages bringing the total grant aid to approximately €723,000. The budget was the same for 2012. Of the 37 current participants, 23 are based in Carman Hall which is under the control of the St Nicholas of Myra parish. A recent Health and Safety audit found that the building is unsafe for use. Officials from the Department of Social Protection met with the sponsors on Thursday the 17th of October to discuss he implications of the Health & Safety report and to ensure in so far as possible that CE participants will be not displaced.
The Department understands that discussions are ongoing with Dublin City Council regarding the future of the building but as yet no plans or funding have been agreed. The Department will work with the sponsor and Dublin City Council to seek a solution to the current challenges.
133. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection whether it is possible for a person in receipt of a social welfare payment that will remain in payment for six weeks after their death to specify in advance a payee, such as an undertaker, to receive the six weeks of payments following their death, to ensure their wishes are adhered to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45183/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports to people as contingencies arise during a person's lifecycle. A number of payments allow for an additional six weeks payment, when a death occurs, to the person's spouse, civil partner or cohabitant. The purpose of this continuation of payment is to support the surviving spouse in those early weeks of bereavement. I have no plans to provide for changes to this practice.
