John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 227: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is entitled to some form of payment from his Department to prevent undue hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5629/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned initially made an application to my Department for disability benefit. His application was unsuccessful as he did not have any PRSI contributions paid in the relevant qualifying period. He subsequently applied for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.

Subject to certain conditions, including a means test, the scheme provides for the payment of a weekly allowance to an eligible person whose means are insufficient to meet his or her basic needs and those of his or her dependants.

The western region of the Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused basic supplementary welfare allowance on means grounds, as the level of his household income is in excess of the supplementary welfare allowance rate appropriate to his family circumstances.

The executive has further advised that it has suggested to the person concerned that his partner, who is in employment, should apply to my Department under the family income supplement scheme, which provides assistance to families in employment on low earnings.