asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has made an order prohibiting the issue of food vouchers by the Commissioners for the Dublin Board of Assistance in respect of the dependents of persons in receipt of old age pensions, widows' pensions or disablement benefit; and if, in view of the fact that the vouchers issued to such persons by the Department of Industry and Commerce entitle them to only one unit of food, and does not entitle them to anything in respect of their dependents, he will see that they will now be allowed to receive vouchers from the commissioners in respect of dependents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Vouchers.
The reply is in the negative. Special food allowances can only be granted by a public assistance authority to necessitous persons who are already in receipt of ordinary home assistance. If any of the classes of persons mentioned are in receipt of home assistance, the granting of special food allowances rests with the local authority. I would point out, however, to the Deputy that food vouchers are issued by the Department of Industry and Commerce in respect of widows, children and orphans who are beneficiaries under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say, whether the vouchers were stopped by the board or not, or that they will be restored?
I cannot answer that.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think it desirable in view of the hardships imposed on these people that the vouchers should be restored?
That again is a matter for the local authority.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary make a recommendation to that effect?
No.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary denying that an order was sent out from the Customs House to the board of assistance to stop these vouchers?
To stop vouchers granted to whom?
To persons in receipt of disablement benefit?
No such order has been issued.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary not make inquiries and if such an order has been issued will he give the matter further consideration?
I would suggest that the Deputy should make further inquiries on which to base his question. He seems to be badly misinformed.
I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is aware that food vouchers have recently been stopped in certain cases and would he say in respect of what persons that stoppage has occurred?
Is the Deputy referring to persons who were receiving these vouchers under the Department of Industry and Commerce or to persons who were receiving them in connection with home assistance?
Under the Department of Industry and Commerce.
The statement of last week is being reversed.