asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, in view of the already largely increased rates demanded for this year, he will reconsider his decision to withdraw the food voucher scheme or, as an alternative, if he will grant to local authorities the full amount of the cash equivalent of same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Voucher Scheme.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state (1) the reduction in his Estimate caused by the abandonment of the food voucher scheme, and (2) the estimated amount it is expected that local authorities will receive on the 50 per cent. increase in cash allowances arising out of the cessation of the food voucher scheme.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to answer questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The food voucher scheme was a measure designed to assist public assistance authorities to discharge their obligations during the emergency period and the decision to which the Deputy refers merely restores the normal position. It is proposed to help local authorities to adjust their finances while the changeover is taking place by providing 50 per cent. of the additional expenses which they may incur during the current financial year in replacing the food vouchers by cash allowances.
The saving in the Vote for my Department for the current year through the withdrawal of the food voucher scheme is estimated at £73,000, while it is anticipated that £75,250 will be paid to local authorities in recoupment of expenditure on additional cash allowances in the present financial year. It has been calculated that the increase in rates which the change in the system may entail would not amount to 1½d. in the £. It is not proposed to alter the decision already taken in the matter which restores to public assistance authorities the statutory obligation imposed on them under the Public Assistance Act, 1939, of providing assistance in necessitous cases.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, it is my intention, a Chinn Chomhairle, to raise this matter on the adjournment of the House.