506. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he will review the eligibility criteria for the additional needs payment scheme to allow assistance to be provided in exceptional circumstances where a clinically prescribed item, such as a specialised car seat recommended by an occupational therapist, is not funded by the HSE or any other statutory scheme, leaving families without access to essential equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50942/26]

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment to assist people with essential expenditure, which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income, and household or personal resources. Social Welfare Allowance payments are administered by Community Welfare Officers in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.

Additional Needs Payments are not generally intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency. It is for this reason that items recommended by an occupational therapist such as a specialised car seat do not fall under the remit of Supplementary Welfare Allowance or this Department for assistance. This does not prevent a person for applying for assistance with other essential household or personal expenses that do fall under the remit of Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

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 can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.