asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in South Kerry a certain number of applicants for maternity cash grants, payable under Section 23 of the Health Act, 1953, were late in submitting their applications, and, if so, if he will request the health authority to review the circumstances of all such applicants who may have been refused the grant because of their failure during the initial stage of the scheme to apply within the prescribed period of three months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Maternity Grants.
I am aware that a number of applications for maternity cash grants were received by Kerry County Council outside the prescribed period of three months in which application should be made. In view of the confusion in the public mind regarding a new service of this kind on its initiation, it has been intimated to the council that there would be no objection to the payment of the grant in these cases, if the applicants were otherwise eligible.