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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Oct 1958

Vol. 171 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Disability Allowances.

asked the Minister for Health whether, as the present grant from the Central Fund to meet the outstanding cases of special disability allowance in County Wexford is inadequate to meet the demands of necessitous invalids, he will increase the amount for County Wexford to enable all outstanding cases to be dealt with expeditiously.

I presume the Deputy's question refers to the allowances payable by Wexford County Council under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1954.

The health services grant payable out of the Vote for my Department is not inadequate to meet its portion of the expenditure estimated to be incurred by Wexford County Council in the current financial year on the payment of disabled persons' allowances, including any "outstanding cases". Under the Health Services (Financial Provisions) Act, 1947, the amount to be recouped to the county council is 50 per cent. of the council's expenditure on approved health services, which include allowances payable to disabled persons.

I understand that, some time ago, the Wexford County Council deferred consideration of outstanding applications for these allowances as it was felt that the funds provided by the council might not prove adequate to meet its portion of the additional cost involved. More recently, however, after review of the position, it was decided that the outstanding applications could be dealt with and steps have been taken since to do so. The number of applications outstanding on 1st April last was 52. I am informed that on the 30th September last there were only 12 applications outstanding and that these are being considered at present.

Could the Minister say whether or not the Wexford County Council spent their full moneys for disabled persons' benefit allowance?

I am not in a position to answer that question.

I can tell the Minister and the Deputy who put down the question that they did not.

I am not driving the Wexford County Council. They know their business and their responsibilities in this matter.

Question No. 31.

asked the Minister for Health if he will state what amount has been allocated for disabled persons' maintenances by the Wexford County Council for the present and past financial year.

Wexford County Council allocated £25,000 for disabled persons' maintenance allowances for the present financial year. The amount allocated in the previous year was also £25,000.

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