asked the Minister for Health if he will notify health authorities that they may at their discretion pay disabled persons allowances to social welfare beneficiaries; and if he will ascertain the number of such allowances paid to social welfare beneficaries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disabled Persons Allowances.
40.
In my reply of 25th October last to a question by the Deputy, I indicated that while recipients of social welfare payments would not ordinarily be regarded as eligible for a disabled persons allowance, a health authority could, in exceptional circumstances, pay an allowance in such a case. Under article 6 of the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1963, health authorities are obliged, in determining the amount of an allowance, to have regard to the means of applicants other than income from public assistance.
I am informed that 776 disabled persons allowances are being paid to persons who are also in receipt of social welfare payments.
I am satisfied that health authorities are sufficiently aware of their powers and responsibilities under this scheme, and I do not, therefore, consider it necessary to notify them further.