Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for mortgage interest relief in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4490/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has received an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned in August 2010. The HSE has further advised a decision on entitlement cannot be made pending receipt of documentation indicating which elements of the mortgage loan and value thereof are in respect of the purchase, essential repair or improvement of his residence.

The HSE has advised that according to its records, it has not yet received the documentation requested. The person concerned should contact his local Community Welfare Office if he wishes to pursue his application.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the supports a person who fulfils the financial criteria for help from their community welfare officer and whose spouse is seriously ill is entitled to; if they are entitled to the full cost of accommodation with receipts provided while they are visiting their spouse in hospital; if they are entitled to the full cost of items that those in charge of the spouses care deem them to need on their discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme a number of supplements are available to individuals to assist them where costs cannot be met from their own resources including diet supplement, heating supplement and travel supplements. In addition exceptional needs payments (ENP) may also be made to help meet essential, once-off non-recurring costs.

There is no automatic entitlement to supplements or ENPs payments. Each application is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment.

All applications for supplements or ENPs can be made by contacting the community welfare officer at the local Health Centre. This officer can also advise on any other possible entitlements a person may have.