Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [34978/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department 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 Dublin/Mid Leinster area of the HSE has advised that it has no record of a claim for an exceptional needs payment from the person concerned. If the person wishes to claim such a payment they should contact their local community welfare officer.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of mortgage interest supplement applications that were refused in 2007 and to date in 2008; and the percentage these represent of the total applications. [35042/08]

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

The scheme is delivered locally by community welfare officers (CWOs). The CWO interviews the claimant when they first present to enquire about their possible entitlement for mortgage interest supplement. Claim details are recorded electronically only in cases where it is established that mortgage interest supplement is payable. Statistics are not held on the number of people refused mortgage interest supplement.