asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the commissioners acting for the Dublin Board of Assistance will not grant outdoor relief to married men who are in receipt of unemployment benefit; that this class is worse off than those drawing unemployment assistance, who also draw outdoor relief and receive food and fuel vouchers; and whether he will direct the commissioners to grant outdoor relief to married men in receipt of unemployment benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Outdoor Relief.
The grant of home assistance is a matter within the discretion of public assistance authorities. I understand that the commissioners acting for the board of assistance have not made any order debarring married men who are receiving unemployment benefit from receiving home assistance. Each application for home assistance is considered on its merits, and, if the circumstances indicate that such assistance is necessary for the support and maintenance of the applicant and his dependents, the assistance is given.
In regard to the last part of the Deputy's question I would direct his attention to Section 5 (2) of the Public Assistance Act, 1939, which sets out that nothing in the Act nor in any Order, or instrument made or preserved by the Act shall be construed or operate to enable the Minister to direct the giving of public assistance to any individual person.