asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that the Kerry County Council is unable to provide for the payment of emergency supplemental allowances to old age and blind pensioners during the period from the 22nd February, 1948, to the 1st April, 1948; and if so, whether he will arrange for the payment of such allowances during the period in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances to Kerry Pensioners.
Mr. Flynn
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.
With regard to the second part, payment of supplemental cash allowances is made by, and at the discretion of, the public assistance authority. My Department's functions in the matter are limited to making, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, recoupment to the extent of 75 per cent. of the approved expenditure incurred by the local authority on the service, excluding administrative expenses. Payment on account is made from time to time on foot of claims submitted by the public assistance authority. As far as Kerry County Council is concerned, recoupment has been made on foot of all claims received to date in the Department.