asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that several recipients of T.B. allowances in Dublin who experienced delays in the payment of weekly allowances in the week in which St. Patrick's Day fell this year were informed that the delay was due to civil servants being absent from work because of the Bank Holiday; and if he will take steps to avoid such delays in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Dublin T.B. Allowances.
1.
Mr. Ryan
Officers of the health authorities concerned, Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council, are responsible for the payment of allowances under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations. No civil servant has any direct function in regard to the matter.
I am not aware that several recipients of Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowances experienced delays in the payment of these allowances in the week in which St. Patrick's Day fell this year. I am informed that Dublin Corporation pays these allowances in cash on the Wednesday of each week or by paying order on the Friday of each week, and that payment on the due day was made in all cases in the week in question. I am also informed that Dublin County Council pay these allowances by the issue of paying orders on the Friday of each week and that the paying orders were issued as usual on Friday, the 18th March, this year.
If the Deputy has any information that in particular cases the arrangements which I have indicated did not operate, I will have the matter taken up with the appropriate health authority if he furnishes me with the necessary details.
Mr. Ryan
The Minister ought to be aware that at least six people in Dublin did not receive their cheques in that week. Although the practice is to issue such cheques on a Wednesday in every week, nevertheless, when they called to complain the following week, they were informed it was because of the bank holiday.
I am afraid the Deputy's credulity is sometimes imposed upon. I would request him to make the necessary inquiries and to send me the details and I shall give him the answer.