John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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64. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the review process in place for the supplementary welfare allowance scheme being issued from community welfare offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8415/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic primary weekly payment and/or a weekly/monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, including rent, as well as single exceptional needs payments (ENPs) and urgent needs payments (UNPs). The Government has provided some €378 million for the SWA scheme in 2017.

Determinations made in relation to claims made under Sections 196, 197 and 198 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation Act) 2005, namely basic weekly SWA and all supplements, can be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office under Section 311 of that Act.

Determinations made in relation to claims made under Sections 200, 201 and 202 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation Act) 2005, namely allowances-in-kind, ENPs and UNPs, can be reviewed by a SWA Reviewing Officer under Section 323 of that Act.

Decisions on claims are communicated to customers in writing, as well as the customer’s right to appeal or review, as appropriate.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.