Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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575. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason his department failed to notify a person (details supplied) of the outcome of a review, submitted on 16 December 2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the decision was made in February 2017; and if he will ensure that in future a person that seeks a review of a decision made is notified of the outcome. [20020/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I can confirm that this gentleman was refused an increase for fuel allowance as he did not satisfy the qualifying conditions. A review of this decision was requested by the Deputy. As the circumstances of this case were unusual, the deciding officer sought advice on her decision. On receipt of the clarification sought by the deciding officer, a decision was made and notification of this decision issued on 25 April 2017.Free fuel allowance is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. It is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs.

A person may qualify for this allowance if they are getting disability allowance and they live alone or only with other people getting one of the qualifying payments who would also be eligible for a fuel allowance in their own right.

As this gentleman is not living alone, he does not qualify for a fuel allowance.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.