Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if and when fuel allowance will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44664/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for the national fuel scheme, applicants must satisfy a means assessment and be living alone or only with persons who satisfy specific criteria.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of invalidity pension. He applied for a fuel allowance on 20 September 2012 and was refused as his spouse is in receipt of illness benefit. Illness benefit is not regarded as a long term social welfare payment and consequently disqualifies the household for payment of the fuel allowance. The person in question was informed in writing of the decision by a deciding officer on 10 October 2012.

The spouse of the person concerned has appealed a decision to refuse her application for invalidity pension. If her appeal is successful, entitlement to a fuel allowance will be reassessed.