Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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440. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department will assist in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61534/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The rate of Illness Benefit payable in individual cases is determined by reference to the applicant's weekly average earnings in the relevant tax year and there is no discretion available to increase the rate in instances involving particular types of illness.

If the person concerned is experiencing difficulties meeting his financial commitments he should contact the Department's representative, formerly known as a Community Welfare Officer, at his local Intreo Centre so that an assessment of his circumstances can be carried out to determine whether he might qualify for assistance under the terms of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.