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Protest for Social Protection Minister's office

The Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes is calling on the Social Protection Minister to clarify whether people trying to claim social welfare will have to prove they have paid the household charge first.

It follows reports that a woman received a letter from her social welfare office last week - seeking an appointment with her, as part of her application to obtain a Public Service Card - which she would need to access her welfare payments.

It is claimed the letter contained a checklist of what she would need to bring with her to the appointment, including proof of payment of the household charge.

In response to this latest development, the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes is holding a demonstration outside Minister Joan Burton's constituency office on Store Street in Dublin this afternoon.

Meanwhile a protest against Clare County Council's decision to write to third level grant applicants seeking proof that their family has paid the household charge, takes place in Ennis this afternoon.

On Wednesday, the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said he would seek legal advice on whether or not county councils can ask for proof of payment of the charge - before processing the applications.

However, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil that Clare County Council could not legally withhold grants from third level students.