John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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1235. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person in County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59993/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The person concerned has been awarded IP with effect from 18 September 2025 and will receive their first payment to their nominated bank account on 13 November 2025. Any arrears due for the period 18 September 2025 to 12 November 2025 will issue shortly after their first payment date. The person referred to was notified of this decision on 30 October 2025.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1236. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the eligibility criteria for the exceptional needs payment; if this support extends to medical-related costs such as essential treatments, equipment, or travel for healthcare; and if he will consider a review of the current criteria to ensure adequate support for individuals facing exceptional medical expenses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60138/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income and personal or household resources. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons (DPs) in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.

Supports from this Department are not intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency. Responsibility for the provision of medical equipment rests with the Department of Health and the Health Services Executive (HSE).

According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP to assist with the cost of medical equipment for her daughter. This claim was disallowed on the basis that the need for which the person sought assistance is the responsibility of another Government Department/Agency. A letter advising the person of this outcome and affording her the opportunity to seek a review of the DP’s decision issued to her on 08/04/2025.

If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties with other household/cost of living expenses, it is open to her to make a new application for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all supporting documentation which may be relevant to her claim. SWA 1 forms are available in all Intreo Centres and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account she can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter.