asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that applicants under the free footwear scheme are now being required to state their income from children's allowances; and, if so, if he will consider amending the application forms under this scheme so as to exclude this requirement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Footwear Scheme Conditions.
The issue of vouchers for public assistance footwear, either free or on payment of a contribution, is a form of home assistance and the public assistance authorities are entitled to obtain full information as to an applicant's income from all sources. They are, however, debarred by the Children's Allowances Act, 1944, as amended by the Social Welfare (Children's Allowances) Act, 1952, from taking into consideration the first 10/- per week of such allowances received by a person seeking home assistance.
I do not see any necessity for the suggested amendment of the application form used by the public assistance authorities.