asked the Minister for Health the present amount of the allowances paid to disabled persons; how many increases have been granted during the past ten years and the amount; and if, in view of the greater increases granted to blind pensioners and non-contributory old age pensioners in the same period, he will increase such allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances to Disabled Persons.
6.
The scheme of disabled persons maintenance allowances was introduced on 1st October, 1954. The maximum weekly rate of allowances payable at that time was £1; this amount was increased to 22/6 weekly with effect from 1st January, 1961, and a further increase to 25/- weekly, the present maximum rate, came into operation as late as 1st August, 1962.
The disabled persons allowance is a residual form of assistance and is intended mainly to give a small, regular source of income, more secure than home assistance, to people who do not come within the scope of the social welfare benefits. The allowances are payable only to people who by reason of specified disability are substantially handicapped in undertaking work of a kind which if they were not disabled would be suited to their age, qualifications and experience; where this allowance is considered insufficient a supplementary allowance by way of home assistance may be granted.
The expenditure on disabled persons allowances in the coming financial year is estimated at £890,000 and I would not be prepared further to vary the maximum rate of allowance in such a manner as to impose an additional burden on the taxpayers and ratepayers.