asked the Minister for Health if he will state if a means test is applied to tuberculosis patients who claim an allowance in respect of their dependents while in a sanatorium or afterwards while attending clinics; and, if so, if he will state the items taken into consideration in the determination of means and what rank of official determines whether the allowance will be paid or not; further, if he will indicate the number of appeals in such cases from County Mayo and the number allowed and disallowed in the last 12 months for which figures are available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Patients' Dependents.
A means test is applied to tuberculosis patients who claim an allowance under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1952.
With the exception of children's allowances under the Social Welfare (Children's Allowances) Acts the income of the applicant and members of his household from all sources, including employment, superannuation, trade, farming, investments and social welfare benefits is taken into consideration in determining means for the purposes of the regulations.
On consideration of the results of the investigation of the applicant's claim and the recommendation made to him by the county medical officer, the county manager determines the amount of the allowance, if any, to be granted.
During the year ended 20th May,1953, 20 appeals were received in my Department from County Mayo. The decision of the health authority was upheld in 11 cases. On my recommendation the health authority revised their decision in three cases. The remainder of the appeals have not yet been decided.
Will the Minister say who decides the means in particular cases?
The county manager decides, but there is an appeal to the Minister.