Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24617/11]

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.

On 16 September, 2011, the person concerned was refused invalidity pension on the grounds that he was not considered to be permanently incapable of work and he has been notified of this decision. The person concerned is currently in receipt of illness benefit from my Department at a weekly rate of €312.80. Illness benefit is a short-term payment for people who are incapable of work for medical reasons and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24618/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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To qualify for back to education allowance (third level option) a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for at least 234 days. The person concerned has been paid jobseeker's allowance for a total of 92 days and therefore his application for back to education allowance while pursuing a higher national diploma course was refused as he does not satisfy the qualifying conditions.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance was discontinued in the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24619/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive has advised that a rent supplement of €599.30 per month continues to be paid to the person concerned.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if and when rent support will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24620/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive has advised that it has refused rent supplement in this case as the rent payable is in excess of the prescribed limits and he did not provide a housing needs assessment from his local authority.