Written answers

Thursday, 5 April 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the living alone allowance will be awarded retrospectively to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [13978/07]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate of state pension (non-contributory) and a living alone allowance from 20/10/06.

She appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office against the decision not to award the pension and allowance from an earlier date and in accordance with the statutory requirements, the relevant papers and comments from my Department were sought. These have now been provided and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce a nationwide refuse charge waiver scheme for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14012/07]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as stated by my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for each local authority.

The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue would be complex given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities and private operators already operate waiver schemes.

My officials have discussed this issue with their counterparts in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. While there are no plans at present for the introduction of a waiver scheme through the social welfare system, I intend to keep the issue under close review.

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