Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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385. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for an exceptional needs payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55715/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was awarded an Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) of €1,525 towards the cost of electrical goods and flooring on 08/10/2021.

Following a request for a review, the Reviewing Officer found that the Designated Person complied with the legislation and guidelines in awarding €1,525 on the basis the person concerned has €3,000 in her Credit Union account. The award made by the Designated Person was therefore upheld by the Reviewing Officer and the person concerned was informed of the outcome in writing on 10/11/2021.

If the circumstances of the person concerned have changed since her last ENP application, it is open to her to submit a new application.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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386. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) [55721/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Following a review of the Illness Benefit claim from the person concerned, a decision was made that they are capable of work and as such are not entitled to Illness Benefit from the 28th July 2021.

A self-assessment form submitted by the person, along with medical reports submitted by the person's GP and a medical assessment from the Department's medical assessor were considered. After examining all the evidence provided, it was the Deciding Officer's decision that the person was not incapable of work.

A letter issued to the person concerned on the 22nd July 2021 informing them of this decision. This letter outlines their right to have this decision internally reviewed by a Deciding Officer from the Department or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date the Department has not received a request for review or appeal from the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.