asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to provide for a further increase in the infectious diseases maintenance allowances in view of the increased cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infectious Diseases Allowances.
1.
I would refer the Deputy to my speech on 4th of this month, moving the Estimate for my Department, in which I informed the House that, co-incident with the increases in Social Welfare non-contributory allowances announced by the Minister for Finance in introducing his Budget of this year, the rates of Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Allowances would be correspondingly increased.
The increases proposed are 5/- per week for a person with an adult dependant and 2/6d. per week for a person without dependants. The increases will take effect from 1st August next, the operative date of the budgetary increases to social welfare assistance beneficiaries.