Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 17 May 2012, the reason the basic information sought was not provided in the question, in view of the fact that the request was to indicate when it is intended to offer rent support either as a single person or in conjunction with their child given that they had repeatedly made applications and supplied the relevant information under both categories, that her Department does not seem to be aware of this, that reference to the effect that rent supplement can only exist when the rent sought has been reduced to the limit for a single person in self-contained accommodation, is irrelevant in the current situation in view of the fact that all possible requirements have been met in full and failure by her Department to address these matters have resulted in the most serious hardship been caused to the applicant with particular reference to their psychological well-being; if she will therefore as a matter of urgency have the case re-examined with a view to early payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26103/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned has been refused by the Department as the rent was in excess of the applicable limits. This decision has been upheld by the Appeals Office. The person concerned can only have an entitlement to rent supplement when the rent sought has been reduced to the appropriate amount for a single person in self-contained accommodation. The Department has yet to receive verification from the landlord in question that the rent has been reduced accordingly. When the person concerned has obtained this reduction, the Department will ensure to immediately expedite the rent supplement claim. The person concerned has been provided with the forms to facilitate this reduction.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position in the matter of determination of entitlement to disability allowance or invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26108/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.