Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
519. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4038/23]
View answerOfficials in my Department have contacted the Scheme Administrator, Pobal, in relation to the case raised on behalf of your constituent. Pobal have reviewed the case and advised that the applicant has since submitted a new application, which has been completed. The relevant awards have since been issued by Pobal, which are valid from Monday 30 January.
The application referred to here was submitted in October 2022. Before going in to further detail, it should be noted that this initial application was a non-fast track, offline application. The offline application process may take considerably longer than online, and it is dependent on all required information being correctly submitted.
In detail:
- The application was first submitted on 24 October 2022. It was then referred back by the Scheme Administrator twice on 25 October, and 21 November, as information was either missing or incorrect.
- The applicant contacted the Parent Support Centre on 24 November seeking clarification in relation to the application. Pobal provided support on this occasion and further contacted the applicant on 12 December and 21 December regarding information required as part of the application.
- Pobal attempted to lodge a second call with the applicant on 21 December, however this call went unanswered.
- Between 22 December and 6 January, Pobal attempted to make contact with the applicant a further three times. However, contact was unsuccessful.
- On 23 January, Pobal explained to the contact that their application had been cancelled due to inactivity and that a new application would need to be made.
- A courtesy call was placed by Pobal on 25 January, which the applicant responded to. The applicant was then supported through the application process and, as mentioned, has since successfully completed an application and received a subsidy.
