asked the Minister for Health the welfare benefits paid to disability claimants by the Dublin Health Authority.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disablement Allowances.
9.
I assume that the Deputy refers to the allowances which are payable under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1960, to certain classes of chronically disabled persons.
These regulations prescribe that the maximum rate of allowance shall be 22/6d. a week and that in determining the amount of the allowance for a particular person, the health authority shall have regard to his means other than income from public assistance. Returns furnished to my Department show that on 31st March, 1961, more than 90 per cent. of the 1,546 allowances being paid by the Dublin Health Authority were at the maximum rate. Expenditure on these allowances in the yeor ended 31st March, 1961, in the area concerned amounted to £74,597.
I understand that those benefits can be increased by the Minister by regulation, that there is no need for legislation. Is the Minister aware that disabled persons are not in a position to engage in part-time employment, as other beneficiaries can?
That is a separate matter. This is a factual question. Any deductions arising from it would be purely irrelevant.
Is there any hope the Minister will increase the benefits?
Better wait and see. I would say not.
We hear a lot of talk about these unfortunate people. A sum of 22/6d. a week is a miserable form of allowance for a person who cannot earn a button. The others can earn £1 a week but these people cannot.
This allowance did not exist at all until a Fianna Fáil Government came into office.