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

Question 189: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent that she has examined the impact of the economic downturn on various persons who may not, for whatever reason, qualify for a social welfare payment; the strategy she will put in place to meet such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21780/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1There are already adequate safeguards in the social protection system to qualify for a social welfare payment if they are of limited means. Many employees can establish an entitlement to a social insurance payment if they become unemployed on the basis of contributions paid by them and their employer. Employees with children in low-wage employment may qualify for family income supplement. Self-employed workers can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy.

Furthermore, the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the "safety net" within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to any persons in the State , subject to qualifying conditions, whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. SWA provides a minimum weekly allowance to eligible persons who have insufficient means. Those eligible for assistance under the SWA scheme are normally in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment. Certain qualified persons with low incomes may also be entitled to a weekly supplement to meet specific needs such as rent or mortgage interest supplement, diet supplement, heating supplement, or a once off payment to help with the cost of any exceptional needs they may have which they could not reasonably be expected to meet from their own resources. There is also provision for an urgent needs payment whereby someone who is normally excluded from payment of SWA may qualify for a payment (e.g. because of fire or flood).

Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 190: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for supplementary welfare allowance will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21821/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE has advised that a weekly supplementary welfare allowance of €370.40 has been awarded to the household in question since February 2011. A back to school clothing and footwear allowance of €400 issued to the spouse of the person concerned on 23rd June 2011. The HSE has further advised that a decision on mortgage interest supplement entitlement will be made once the documentation requested by the community welfare officer has been received.