Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 392: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she provides any supports to persons who have long term health conditions and cannot afford to pay the associated costs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36595/12]

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

The Department currently provides an electricity allowance as part of the household benefits package. This allowance covers standing charges, the PSO levy and 1,800 units of electricity if the customer receives their electricity from ESB Electric Ireland or the cash equivalent of 1,800 units for customers with other companies.

Further help is available for people with special or additional needs through the heating supplement and exceptional needs payment scheme under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

If the equipment referred to by the Deputy is provided by the Health Services Executive as part of a home care package the HSE may be in a position to provide additional support with operating costs.