Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1788. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the supplementary welfare grant system can be used to apply for assistance with the provision, or upgrade of, a mobility scooter where there is a clear medical need for same. [41724/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.

Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, including the need presented and available resources, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

In general, additional needs payments are not intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency. It is important to note that the Health Service Executive directly provides eligible persons with essential aids and appliances, including mobility scooters.

Any person who considers that 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.