asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take such steps as may be necessary for the provision of special assistance to the parents of the quads recently born in Limerick, as there are seven other young children in the family and the father has only a road worker's wages.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Quads.
11.
The provisions of existing legislation enable all necessary assistance to be given in a case of this kind.
Will this case be dealt with through the Department of Social Welfare or locally through the health authority?
Locally. The assistance that is available from the Department of Social Welfare has already been paid——
Would the Minister tell me what assistance has been paid locally through the Department of Social Welfare?
I did not say locally.
Well, nationally?
The sum of £13 4s. per month.
That is because of an increase in children's allowances. Surely the Minister is aware that there are already seven children in this family and it is an exceptional case? The only assistance this family can get is through home assistance. Is it intended to throw the family on home assistance?
The Deputy is not entitled to make a speech.
I am not making a speech. I am trying to bring the responsibility of his Department before the Minister.
I understand the county manager has indicated that everything possible will be done by the public health authority and that some extra facilities and amenities are being provided.
What has been provided by the county council is the extension of the house and the provision of hot water. No pecuniary increase has been given and we are asking the Minister now to have this burden by way of home assistance taken from the ratepayers of Limerick and to have it dealt with through the Department. It is an exceptional case.
The Deputy is making another speech.
I shall be making more speeches if I do not get results.
Exceptional cases like this are better dealt with locally.
If the Minister wants to shirk his responsibility in this matter, he will hear more about it from Limerick.