Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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303. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an exception will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 in relation to an exceptional needs payment to cover expenses in relation to a continuous cardiac monitor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6442/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned received an exceptional needs payment in December 2013 towards covering the cost of her telephone bill, including the line rental. Such payments are once-off in nature and are issued to provide assistance in cases where there is an urgent need due to an exceptional and unforeseen circumstance; they are not intended to cover expenses which are of a recurring nature. Under social welfare legislation, as the urgent need for the person concerned has been addressed it is not possible to provide further funding to towards her telephone costs, despite her medical condition. It is open to the person concerned to request an independent review of this decision by contacting the Reviewing Officer as detailed in the decision letter.