Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person suffering from depression on illness benefit who had applied for invalidity benefit and was refused only received three days notice that all benefits were to be cut and was left with no money to purchase their medication which was so desperately needed. [40629/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned was in receipt of illness benefit from 21 December 2007 at the maximum personal rate with an additional half-rate payment for a dependent child. On 15 September 2011 she was assessed by a departmental medical assessor who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her illness benefit payment was stopped from 23 September 2011. This is in line with normal practice. She was advised of her right of appeal and she lodged an appeal thereafter. There is no record of an application for invalidity pension. She has been in receipt of jobseeker's benefit at a graduated rate since 25 October 2011. If the person concerned is experiencing difficulties in purchasing medication she may wish to consider applying for a medical card.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason so many persons suffering from mental health issues are being refused invalidity benefit without a medical assessment and left without any money or clear alternative options as to the benefit they might be entitled to apply for particularly when the community welfare officer also refuses to give an emergency payment and recommends that they go on jobseeker's and that is not an option as their general practitioner will not sign them off as fit for work; and when they have exhausted all those options, if she will clarify the other options available in order that they are not left destitute and without money to survive and purchase medication. [40630/11]

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. Illness benefit is a short-term payment for people who are incapable of work due to illness or injury. Since January 2009 payment of illness benefit is limited to a maximum of 104 weeks (624 days) in most cases. Currently, letters are sent to illness benefit customers 13 weeks before their claim is due to expire. The customer is advised about other possible schemes for which they may qualify, depending on their circumstances, including invalidity pension, disability allowance, jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and supplementary welfare allowance.

An applicant is not refused invalidity pension without an assessment of their medical suitability for the scheme. Where a customer has had a recent medical review under the illness benefit scheme this review is used to assess medical suitability for other schemes as appropriate. Where there has not been a recent medical review, medical information is requested. This evidence is supplied by the applicant in the form of a diagnostic report completed by their General Practitioner, along with other medical evidence if available. A medical assessor examines this evidence and decides if the person is suitable for invalidity pension. Medical assessments are conducted in accordance with evidence-based medical protocols. If the applicant does not satisfy the medical criteria the application is disallowed by a deciding officer. The applicant is notified in writing and is advised of their right to request a review of the decision or to appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The Deputy refers to the community welfare officer refusing to give an emergency payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. A community welfare officer may issue a payment if a person is awaiting a decision on entitlement or awaiting the result of a review or appeal. However, assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is means-tested and is subject to other conditions.

There are a number of possible social welfare payments for which a customer may qualify thereafter, depending on their circumstances. If a person is refused invalidity pension or illness benefit on medical grounds, they may apply for jobseeker's allowance including where the decision on their illness payment is under appeal.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the funding available for persons whose private homes become flooded when there is heavy rain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40652/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department makes exceptional needs payments (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which cannot be met out of people's weekly income. In addition to the payment of ENPs, my Department also makes urgent needs payments, which can be made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA. The aftermath of flooding is one situation where urgent needs payments can be made.

The Deputy will also be aware that in the immediate aftermath of the severe flooding experienced in October 2011, the Government put in place a humanitarian aid scheme which provides up to €10 million to assist the people affected by that flooding. The scheme is being administered by staff of the Department of Social Protection (former Community Welfare Officers).

Since these recent floods, my officials have been providing individuals with emergency payments to offset their immediate needs such as the purchase of food, clothing, fuel and household goods. Payments have also been made in respect of essential household items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods.

Larger payments in respect of longer-term needs, such as meeting the cost of repairing homes and making them habitable again will be made in the coming weeks and months as the extent of the damage caused becomes apparent.

My officials have made house to house calls to individuals they have identified as being vulnerable at this difficult time. In addition special clinics were established to offer help to affected households.

Any person experiencing hardship as a result of the recent flooding should contact the local Department of Social Protection representative administering the SWA scheme who may be able to offer assistance.