asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that, where a person has applied for a pension and there is some delay in the provision of the pension and during the period of delay the person is granted home assistance by the local authority, in some cases the amount of home assistance granted is deducted from the pension when it is granted; and if he will take steps to put an end to this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deductions from Pensions.
34.
Existing legislation provides for the refund of home assistance payments out of any arrears which may accrue while a claim for pension is being dealt with in my Department. It is for the public assistance authorities themselves to decide whether such refunds should be claimed.