Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:259. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is eligible to receive fuel allowance. [45446/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 October 2017
Ceisteanna (259)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware Section 1.6.5 Employment Support Schemes, of the Fuel Allowance Scheme Guidelines for the 2017/2018 Fuel Season Onwards, provides that “Participants on the following Department of Social Protection Employment Support Schemes and Revenue Job Assist can be paid Fuel Allowance where they had applied for or were awarded fuel allowance prior to commencing on the scheme and where they satisfy or continue to satisfy the conditions.
- Back to Education Allowance
- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance/Short-term Enterprise Allowance
- Community Employment
- Gateway - the local authority social employment scheme
- National Internship Scheme (JobBridge)
- Rural Social Scheme
- Tús Community Work Placement Scheme
Section 1.6.5 further provides that “Claimants moving to an Employment Support Scheme cannot accrue entitlement to Fuel Allowance while on the scheme.”
The person concerned was not recently granted fuel allowance. He commenced on a community employment scheme on 02-05-2015 and has not previously received fuel allowance whilst on the scheme. Nor did he prior to his commencement whilst on jobseekers allowance, therefore he does not have an entitlement to fuel allowance per guidelines.
However, a letter issued to the person concerned, from their local Intreo Centre, which incorrectly stated that they did have an entitlement to fuel allowance. This error was noticed by the Community Services manager and the relevant staff notified. The Intreo Centre manager wishes to apologise for the error that was made and any inconvenience this may have caused the person concerned. This error does not, however, bestow an entitlement where none exists.
The Department are satisfied that the correct decision was made in this instance.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.