Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 193: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused supplementary welfare allowance for assistance with water supply to their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12128/07]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 194: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Count Mayo was refused supplementary welfare allowance in respect of an ESB security deposit; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this spina bifida sufferer, who works part time, is in receipt of disability benefit to a maximum total amount of €285 per week; if he will have this matter reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12129/07]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to be made to assist with essential, once-off costs which the applicant is unable to meet from his/her own resources. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.

The HSE West has advised that the person concerned applied for two ENPs in November 2006 for connection of water supply and an ESB security deposit. At the time the person concerned was living at home with his parents and the application was made in respect of property that he had inherited from deceased family relatives.

The Community Welfare Officer asked the person concerned to provide copies of relevant legal documents that would prove ownership in addition to providing details of the property and any other capital received. The executive required this information in order to establish the means of the person concerned to determine whether an ENP payment should issue.

The person concerned provided documents relating to the deeds of the property but he did not provide documents relating to the receipt of the property and failed to fully disclose his income. The Executive has advised that it refused the claim for ENPs from the person concerned, on the basis that he failed to provide sufficient details of his income.

The person concerned was advised of his right to appeal this decision to the area appeals officer of the Executive. The Executive has advised that no appeal has been received.