Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise and assist on a matter regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will work with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on this issue. [25834/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Mobility Allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey.

To qualify for a social assistance payment a person must satisfy a means test. The means test examines sources of income and includes provision to disregard numerous sources of income including child benefit, carers allowance/benefit, supplementary welfare, fuel allowance and living alone allowance. Mobility Allowance applicants must undergo a means test to ensure a cost effective delivery of the scheme. As per any social assistance scheme, a balance must be struck between the needs of any individual and the requirements to prioritise public funds. Any person who receives mobility allowance must do so on the basis of genuine need in accordance with the medical criteria and the means test laid down in the scheme.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.

The Community Welfare Officer (CWO) of the HSE has advised that the person has not made a request for an ENP. The CWO has further advised that should the person wish to be considered for an exceptional needs payment she should contact the HSE at (01) 8480666 or (01) 8774113 in order to make an appointment. If she is unable to attend the health centre the CWO can arrange to make a home visit.

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.