Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 800: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an increase in rent support will be given in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11305/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household and market conditions.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of rent supplement support at the maximum level available to him, based on his current personal circumstances and the area in which he is living. The person concerned has been advised by the Executive that his current circumstances do not warrant an increase in his rent supplement support payment. He has also been advised of his right of appeal to the Executive's designated Appeals Office, if he is not satisfied with the decision of the community welfare officer.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 801: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a review of an application for pension will be offered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11307/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The pension entitlement of the person concerned was reviewed in June 2008. Arising from this review, she was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) with effect from 5th May 2000. She is currently in receipt of €115.20 per week, which is the maximum amount payable based on her insurance record.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 802: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support or arrears will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11629/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The Executive has advised that following a successful appeal regarding a claim for basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement, all arrears due to the person concerned have been paid.