asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the circumstances of a person (name and address supplied) who is ill, who has a sister to support and who is in receipt of £2 2s. 6d. per week; and what action he proposes to take in this case as two people cannot live on this amount per week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Claimant.
8.
As the person referred to in the question is in receipt of disability benefit, which is not subject to a means test, his circumstances were not investigated by my Department in the course of determining title. He has no dependants, within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts, and is in receipt of disability benefit at the maximum weekly rate applicable to an unmarried man. A dependant's allowance is payable in respect of a female adult relative only where the claimant is maintaining her for the purpose of looking after a dependent child or children normally residing with him. If this claimant's sister is unable by her own industry or other lawful means to provide the necessaries of life for herself, it is open to her to apply to the local assistance officer for a home assistance allowance. I am precluded by law from directing the giving of such assistance in any particular case.
If the Minister had examined the case as he should have examined it, he would understand that the applicant is not supporting his sister but that the sister is supporting him. Is the Minister satisfied that these two adults can live on £2 2s. 6d. a week in this prosperous society of ours of which Deputy P.J. Burke talks?
If the sister is supporting the applicant, it is hardly correct to describe her as being dependent on the applicant.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.