Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which the group of persons which will become eligible for the telephone allowance in the period of time when the fuel allowance is not payable will receive their entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50590/17]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of the telephone allowance was welcome, although it was introduced in a limited fashion because of the fuel allowance and living alone elements. I am concerned that people meeting those qualifying criteria during the summer months, when the fuel allowance is not available, will lose their entitlements. We are trying to establish how the Minister intends to identify them and ensure they get their payments. I am speaking particularly about people whose incomes fall below the threshold of the fuel allowance.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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If I am to be really honest, I was not 100% sure about what the Deputy was asking but now I am sure. Is the Deputy's concern that when the fuel allowance is not being paid, people will not get their telephone allowance?

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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They absolutely will.

The determining factor for people who receive the telephone allowance is that they have to be in receipt of a payment or the fuel allowance. We cross-reference anybody who is in receipt of the fuel allowance or other payments and he or she is entitled to receive the telephone allowance which will be paid on a weekly basis. The two conditions will determine who will receive it, but once it is decided that a person is to receive the allowance, he or she will receive it every week. I hope that makes sense.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The group of people who become eligible during the summer months to receive the fuel allowance will not be able to apply for it until September. How are persons whose incomes fall during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September to be identified? Will they have an opportunity to make an application for the fuel allowance to ensure their telephone allowance will be payable during the summer months, or will they be excluded until September when they can apply for the fuel allowance? I want to ensure those who meet the eligibility criteria will receive the relevant payment.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand totally what the Deputy is saying, but I do not know the answer. I know that people can only apply for the fuel allowance on a bi-annual basis. If in May a person thinks he or she might qualify for the fuel allowance, he or she should be able to apply for it at that stage. I will reflect on the matter and revert to the Deputy. In order to receive the telephone allowance one has to qualify for a social welfare payment and the fuel allowance, but it is not right that the opportunity to apply for the fuel allowance only arises twice a year. That is not what we were trying to do in the budget. I thank the Deputy for his question.