Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason an exceptional needs payment was refused for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9, and if she will outline the criteria by which such decisions are made. [41724/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is provided in social welfare legislation that a Designated Person may determine that supplementary welfare allowance can be paid to a person by way of a single payment to meet an exceptional need, having regard to all the circumstances of the case.

The person concerned applied for assistance towards the cost of clothing for a work placement, as part of his participation in a Momentum course, in October 2015. As a result of his participation in this course his weekly payable rate has been increased by €60 since the end of May 2015. In this case it was considered that the need was not exceptional as the person concerned was in a position to provide for the cost of clothing. As advised in the notification letter, if the person concerned is dissatisfied with this decision he can request a review in writing to the address supplied.