asked the Minister for Health if he will explain in a case (details supplied) in Dublin 10 the reason this recipient of disabled person's maintenance allowance has had his payments reduced by £300 per annum because one of his children, in full time education, is in receipt of the amount while placed out of school in a work training position; and if the father was working the £300 received by the child would be an additional income to the house; if in the circumstances he will restore £300 to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance.
285.
The amount of disabled persons maintenance allowance payable in any individual case is a matter for determination by the health board concerned, having regard to all relevant circumstances in that case. Payment of the allowance is subject to a means test.
I have had inquiries made from the Eastern Health Board concerning the case mentioned by the Deputy. I have been informed that in determining the amount of the allowance the health board took into account a training grant which the applicant's son received from the Department of Education. I understand that, as the training course is now completed, the allowance will be restored to the full rate.