Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent supplement has been stopped for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28469/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.

Rent supplements are subject to a statutory limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for supplement may incur.

The Executive has advised that in March 2008 the person concerned was informed that the rent payable for her accommodation was in excess of the prescribed maximum rent limits for her area of residence and the size of her household. She was advised at that time that rent supplement would be paid in excess of the prescribed maximum limit, as an exceptional measure for a three month period, from March 2008. This three month period was granted in order to allow her time to secure accommodation within the prescribed rent limits.

The person concerned has been awarded rent supplement in excess of the maximum rent limit, as an exceptional measure for a further period until the end of July 2008, to allow her additional time to secure accommodation within the prescribed rent limits.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded jobseeker's allowance. [28479/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for a jobseeker's allowance payment on 18 June 2008.

His claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for assessment of his means. Following completion of the Social Welfare Inspector's report, a decision will be made and he will be notified of the outcome.

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.