asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state in respect of allowances paid to dependents of necessitous tuberculosis patients by boards of assistance and other bodies who have authority to make payments in such cases (a) the number of patients; (b) the weekly amount granted to each married man in respect of himself, his wife and each child; (c) the amount granted to each single person living alone, and (d) the amount granted to each person living with relatives.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Patients' Dependents.
It was explained to the Deputy in connection with the question of the 9th November, 1944, that the law gives full discretion to public assistance authorities in granting assistance to persons in necessitous circumstances. In my Department there are no separate statistics of the assistance paid to any particular class of necessitous persons.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary make inquiries? This was a question given to me officially for an organisation which wishes to use it at a later date for the benefit of tuberculosis patients. With reference to the first part of the answer, that it is a matter for the authorities themselves, if the authorities do not give proper payment or benefit to tuberculosis dependents, will he see that they do their duty and do it properly, as otherwise there is hardship caused to them?
I would suggest to the Deputy that the organisation he has in mind might get into communication with my Department, when any assistance we can give them will be readily given.