asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the allowances under the Infectious Diseases Maintenance Regulations, 1948, of the Health Act, 1947, made to persons suffering from tuberculosis are being abated by the local authorities in such a manner and to such an extent that the purpose for which the regulations were ostensibly made is being defeated; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infectious Diseases Maintenance Regulations, 1948.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy, but if the Deputy will bring to my notice any case in which it is felt that an applicant for, or a recipient of, the allowances has been unfairly treated, I will have the matter investigated as one of urgency.
To avoid misunderstandings, I should like to mention that the rates of allowances set out in the regulations are maximum rates and are subject to abatement in respect of other income. The regulations do not provide for the payment of allowances in excess of the previous normal income of the patients except in those cases where that normal income is considered to be inadequate to afford a reasonable standard of living. In such cases it is intended that the allowances paid should be closely related to the amount necessary to provide that standard.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that persons in receipt of home assistance in the County Dublin area had the full amount of the allowance deducted under the Infectious Diseases Maintenance Regulations?
This question of a means test is subject to the provisos I have mentioned, that is that the resulting allowance should be such as to provide a reasonable standard of living. If any reduction is made in that allowance because of the relief mentioned it should not bring the total of the tuberculosis allowance below that deemed necessary to provide a reasonable standard of living.
Will the Minister be prepared to consider specific cases that come before him?
Yes, I shall be very glad to consider such cases.