Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the procedure to be followed to transfer from jobseeker's allowance to disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16872/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned was in receipt of jobseeker's allowance until 10 May 2011. His claim was closed on 6 May 2011 as he submitted an application for Illness Benefit (IB) with effect from 21 April 2011. His IB claim is under consideration.

In order to apply for Disability Allowance (DA) it is necessary to complete the relevant application form DA1. This should be certified by a GP and forwarded to Disability Allowance Section, Social Welfare Services, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford. To qualify for DA a person must satisfy a means test. A member of staff in Disability Allowance Section has issued an application form in the post to the person concerned, on 21 June 2011. This should be completed and forwarded to Disability Allowance Section for processing.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason sufferers of fibromyalgia are not deemed eligible for invalidity pension as in the case of a person (details supplied); if she will arrange to have this case reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16873/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Invalidity Pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. Medical eligibility for invalidity pension is not based on a set of prescribed illnesses. Rather, it is assessed on a case by case basis by a medical assessor of the department, based upon a GP report and other relevant medical evidence supplied by the claimant.

On 9th May, 2011, the person concerned was refused invalidity pension on the grounds that she was not considered to be permanently incapable of work, and she has been notified of this decision. Further medical evidence was received which was reviewed on 30th May 2011. This review did not result in a revision of the decision and she was notified of this on 16th June 2011. She was also notified of her right to appeal this decision.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for rent allowance will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16916/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of rent supplement of €135 per week which is the maximum amount payable appropriate to her circumstances after an overpayment deduction of €20 per week has been applied. The HSE further advised that the person concerned has appealed the overpayment deduction to the HSE Appeals Office but that no decision has been made on her appeal. The HSE Appeals Office will contact the person concerned directly when a decision has been made.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to provide a discount to those on disability or invalidity benefits towards the cost of digital terrestrial television; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16919/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The national digital switchover strategy is a matter for the Department of Communications, Energy and National Resources. That Department is to deliver a substantial information campaign providing households with information on the digital switchover and on their options for going digital. I understand this information campaign will start in October. In conjunction with this, the Department of Communications, Energy and National Resources is developing plans to ensure that a range of practical assistance is made available to address the particular needs of vulnerable households as they prepare to go digital. The Department of Social Protection provides a free television licence as part of the household benefits package. I have no plans to introduce a further element to the package to cover the cost of digital terrestrial television.