Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for rent allowance will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [5159/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned is now in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement based on her household circumstances.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if mortgage interest supplement is available to persons who took out a mortgage on their house in the year 2000 where the mortgage was an equity release mortgage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5288/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The mortgage interest supplement scheme is designed to help those who have difficulty meeting their mortgage repayment schedule where their means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme provides a short-term "safety net" to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment. The decision to award a mortgage interest supplement is dependent on a number of factors including the reason for which the mortgage was taken out rather than the type of mortgage.

A supplement may be paid in respect of mortgage interest only, to eligible people in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. "Mortgage interest" is defined in Section 14 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008. In accordance with this definition, only that portion of interest that relates to the purchase, essential repair or improvement of a person's sole or main residence is taken into account in assessing entitlement to mortgage interest supplement.