Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4744/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 February 2006
Ceisteanna (179)
Freagraí scríofa
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department have any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.
Under supplementary welfare allowance rules, rent supplement is not normally payable to couples where either of them is engaged in full-time employment. For these purposes, employment for 30 hours or more per week is regarded as full-time.
The executive has advised that the persons concerned were refused a rent supplement on the grounds that one of the applicants was engaged in full-time employment. It is open to the persons concerned to appeal this decision to the executive's designated appeals officer.