asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in County Donegal a large proportion of persons suffering from tuberculosis are not in receipt of full benefit; and, if so, if he will have the matter investigated with a view to the payment of the full benefits due.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Sufferers in Donegal.
I would refer the Deputyto my reply to a similar question on 28th October, 1953. As explained in that reply the rates of allowance specified in the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1952, for persons undergoing treatment for infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, are maximum rates and the health authorities administering the regulations are entitled to exercise a discretion in determining, subject to the maximum, the rate of allowance payable in any particular case. As regards County Donegal I have been informed that, if it is established that payment of a reduced allowance causes hardship in any particular case, the health authority is prepared to review the case sympathetically.
Is the Minister aware that the application of means tests, and so on, is generally a hardship, with the result that there is a general payment of low rates?
And that although he refers to local authorities it is the county manager and the medical officer of the county who administer the scheme and that, therefore, the county councils have nothing to say?
Is the Minister aware that some months ago a general reduction took place in the infectious diseases allowances being paid to patients from Donegal at Castlerea and other tuberculosis hospitals?
Well, all I can say is that the amount is going up every year.