Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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736. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports available to a household facing high electricity bills due to essential medical equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48059/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses, such as utility bills, 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. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies.

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. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.