Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will support a matter (details supplied) [46193/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely conscious of the difficulties faced by people, and in particular people with disabilities, who are dependent on the social protection system to meet their needs.

This Department has recently completed a value for money review of the disability allowance scheme. I launched this review on 24 November and it is available for review on the Departments website. This report sets out an agenda for structural change to the DA scheme including the merger of the blind person's pension with the scheme and I would intend that issues such as that raised in the detail of the Deputy's question will be dealt with in the context of progressing that agenda.

In the meantime, Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on the Disability Allowance scheme, will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority is to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for rent allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) [46396/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as he was not considered to be habitually resident in the State.