Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
175. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will make a ministerial order that exceptional needs payments be granted to families in emergency accommodation to assist with transport costs; the number of exceptional needs payments that were made to homeless families in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the can make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Where the need is of a recurring nature, a weekly or monthly supplement under the SWA scheme may be awarded. The Government has provided some €31.5 million for this scheme in 2017.
Families living in emergency accommodation may incur additional costs, including travel to school costs for children. Financial support can be provided under the SWA scheme to meet identified needs. These are discretionary payments that are made following an assessment of the actual needs in each case. Statistics are not maintained of the number of ENPs or supplements for travel costs that are made to homeless families. However, staff in my Department’s Homeless Persons Unit are supporting over 100 homeless families in Dublin with additional costs. Families in these circumstances who are experiencing difficulties meeting additional costs should contact the Department’s Community Welfare Service who may be able to offer assistance.
The Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland – commits to providing access to free public transport for family travel and for school journeys for homeless families in emergency accommodation and this action is being progressed by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
I am satisfied with the range of discretionary supports available under the SWA schemes, and do not plan to introduce specific payments for the additional costs for families in emergency accommodation.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
