Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

679. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether consideration will be given to providing a ‘cost of allergy’ payment to those suffering from severe allergies. [17367/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income. Entitlement only arises where a person can demonstrate that the expenditure is essential and that they have no means of funding the expenditure themselves.

The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.

Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080- which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via .

There are currently no plans to introduce a specific 'cost of allergy' payment. Any discussions on this would take place in a budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.