Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for social welfare payment in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [9802/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Due to the staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if rent allowance and family income supplement will be awarded as well as back to work scheme; and if all entitlements will be awarded in this case. [9803/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a jobseeker's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the reason there has been a delay in processing this application; the reason for the continued delay; when a decision will be made on same; and when the applicant will receive payment. [9805/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Due to the staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person who is in receipt of illness benefit in excess of two years and is eager to participate in a rehabilitation programme to secure employment on a part-time basis can undertake same while in receipt of illness benefit; the eligibility terms of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9876/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A person who has been in receipt of illness benefit for at least six months may apply for permission to work part-time, or participate in an approved educational or training course. A person who has been in receipt of illness benefit for at least three months may apply for permission to participate in the work placement programme operated by FAS. The grant of such permission is known as an exemption. The ultimate objective of an exemption is to enable a person to return to the workplace on a full-time basis.

In determining whether or not an exemption should be granted the Department's Medical Assessor considers the suitability of the proposed placement, part-time work, training or educational course having regard to the person's illness and prospects of recovery. As part of the application process the person may be required to attend a medical assessment.

In the case of part-time work the period of exemption is determined by the Medical Assessor but generally does not exceed six months. For exemptions in relation to educational and FÁS training courses permission is granted for the duration of the course. For exemptions in relation to Community Employment Schemes permission is granted for 12 months while work placements are subject to a limit of 9 months. An extension to an exemption may be granted if the Medical Assessor is satisfied that it is warranted.