Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last year, we had a long discussion on this matter when a question arose about religious ceremonies. However, this is not the reason that I have tabled this question. The directive has taken effect in the past month or two. Some people, especially pensioners, availed of a payment once per year. There is a lie in the statement where it refers to people being reasonably expected to pay for clothing or so on out of their social welfare payments, be that cost €100, €150 or whatever figure the Minister devised. Given the cuts to different elements of supports for pensioners in particular, they have less disposable income than used to be the case. This also applies to those who depend on social welfare.

Will the Minister indicate whether community welfare officers will not enforce a blanket refusal for people who approach them for clothing grants under the exceptional needs payment scheme, given that fuel prices have increased, the fuel allowance has been cut and there have been cuts to other allowances that cover increasing costs?

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