Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
533. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of instances that the additional needs payment was used to cover the costs of car repairs in each county or social welfare district for each month since January 2020, in tabular form; the total cost for each county or district for each month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14168/25]
View answer534. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of claims under the additional needs payment for car repairs that were made in each 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; the number therein that were awarded payment and the average payment made for this purpose in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14169/25]
View answer535. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if beneficiaries of temporary protection have had personal car repair works funded through any payment mechanism provided by his Department; if so, to provide details of costs and payment numbers from 2022 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14178/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 533 to 535, inclusive, together.
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. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Entitlement only arises where a person can demonstrate that the expenditure is essential and that they have no means of funding the expenditure themselves.
An Additional Needs Payment may be provided to assist with car repairs. In considering such an application, the assessment of the requirement would include investigation of the necessities for the use of the vehicle and whether alternative sources of transport are available to the person and their household, such as another family vehicle or public transport.
It is not possible to extract data solely related to Additional Needs Payments provided towards car repairs as this information is not recorded or collated.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
