25/05/10

 

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on the Minister for Social Protection Eamon O'Cuiv to clarify departmental requirements with regard to habitual residence

Deputy Sherlock has tabled a question to the Minister on the issue having received several calls from constituents, whom he said cannot secure work, but are being turned down for social welfare assistance on habitual residence grounds.

 

He said a number of people are also experiencing difficulty in qualifying for child benefit. This is despite the fact their children are enrolled in local schools and have provided evidence of their own activities in the local community.

 

"I have encountered a number of cases where people have provided a raft of paperwork to prove they are living here full time and have no intention of leaving, yet the department is still refusing their claims. As a result there are many people who now find themselves in dire financial straits," stated the Labour TD.

 

Deputy Sherlock cited the example of a person who has returned home from abroad to care for an ill parent. He said they had provided ample proof that they are here to stay but were still refused any assistance having failed to satisfy habitual residency conditions.

 

"I appreciate there is a need to protect against fraudulent claims but it seems department officials are now taking a very hard line with many people who were born and raised in Ireland and spent a short period of time living elsewhere. In many cases these are people who worked in Ireland prior to their departure abroad. They now feel they are being punished for returning home," he asserted.

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