asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that the majority of persons in receipt of allowances under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1954, do not receive home assistance, and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter; further, whether a person in receipt of a disablement allowance of 20/- a week is eligible for home assistance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Assistance for Disabled Persons.
I am not so aware. A year ago I made the Home Assistance Order, 1955, which requires local authorities to disregard the first 10/- of allowances under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1954, when assessing means for home assistance purposes.
Home assistance is granted at the discretion of the public assistance authority, and it is for each such authority alone to decide whether a person in receipt of an allowance of £1 per week is eligible for home assistance.