asked the Minister for Health if he will state the number of persons (i) who applied to the Cork Corporation for disablement benefit under the Health Act, 1953, (ii) who qualified for such benefit, (iii) who did not qualify for such benefit, (iv) on whose applications decisions have not yet been reached, and the reason for the delay in dealing with them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Act Benefits.
The particulars requested in regard to applications received by Cork Corporation for allowances under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1954, are:—
|
(i) number of applications received |
499 |
|
(ii) number of applicants qualified |
237 |
|
(iii) number of applicants not qualified |
22 |
|
(iv) number of applicants still under consideration |
240 |
As the Deputy will appreciate, there is inevitably delay in making the necessary arrangements to give effect to any new scheme. There was the further complication in the case of Cork City that it was necessary to determine whether the South Cork Board of Public Assistance or the Cork Corporation would administer the allowances scheme. It is understood, however, that the outstanding applications will be cleared in the very near future and that it is the intention to make payment of allowances retrospective to the date of application in the case of all eligible persons.
Is the Minister aware that the bulk of the 237 applications which were granted were granted prior to last Christmas and that virtually no decision has been made on any application since and will he explain the reason for that delay in dealing with the applications?
That is a question that should be directed to the local authority.