asked the Minister for local Government whether any system of control exists in the way of checking payments of "home help" through the Athy County Home, and if it is open to ratepayers to inform themselves as to the identity of recipients of "home help"; if at the next audit of accounts the Auditor will take note of the rate of wages paid by the County and District Councils as contrasted with wages of agricultural labourers in Co. Kildare.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ATHY COUNTY HOME—“HOME HELP” PAYMENTS.
The system of control provided in the Poor Law Regulations still exists, viz., investigation by the Relieving Officers and supervision by the Board of Health. It is the duty of the Relieving Officers to investigate each application thoroughly and to submit details to the Board of Health, who should be satisfied that a case is one for assistance before making any allowance. There is no objection to ratepayers seeking information about recipients of Home Assistance.
Arrangements have been made as suggested in the latter portion of the question.