Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. The information on the additional needs payment gives a list of who can get the payment. The guidance states:

You can get the Additional Needs Payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income. For example: - An increase in your fuel or electricity costs

- Essential repairs to property, including motor vehicles ...

- Funeral costs

- Deposits for private rented accommodation

- Bedding and cooking utensils, if you are setting up home for the first time

- Food, clothing and shelter after an emergency event such as a fire or flood

- Recurring travel costs to hospital

- Visiting a relative in hospital or prison

That confuses people. They say they cannot apply for a specific clothing allowance under those criteria. That is why I am raising the issue. It should also be specifically for a clothing allowance and specifically with regard to the cost of living. It is definitely something that should be looked at from that point of view. If a person can apply for it and not have to go to a CWO, it would be better for that person to be able to apply for it officially through those channels. I know the Minister said there is a little discretion but I still think that people are very confused when reading that.

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