John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1177: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the assistance available to persons living in rural areas to cover travel expenses when they have to travel to sign on for benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2081/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not make any contribution towards travel expenses in relation to customers attending at their Local or Branch Office. Besides attending the office in person at the time of making their initial claim, customers residing up to 16 km from their Social Welfare Local/Branch Office attend that Office once every 4 weeks for certification purposes and customers residing over 16 km self-certify every four weeks and attend that Office every 12 weeks. In these circumstances it is not considered unreasonable to require a customer who is actively seeking work, to make his/her own arrangements to travel to the Social Welfare Local Office.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1178: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will continue to be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to allow them continue their education Monday to Friday while paying their accommodation at this private rented location. [2229/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). People participating in approved courses under my Department's back-to-education allowance scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may, subject to certain conditions, retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplement, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course. These special provisions are in place to encourage and facilitate people to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The Health Service Executive has advised that it has not had any contact from the person concerned regarding his intentions to engage in full-time education. It has further advised that the person concerned should contact his local community welfare officer. He will receive comprehensive information advice and support in relation to his potential entitlements should he wish to pursue this option.