asked the Minister for Social Welfare what amount of applicants' income under the social assistance code is precluded from being taken into account by home assistance officers; and the authority for, and date of fixing of, that amount.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Assistance Payments.
27.
In granting home assistance, non-contributory widow's pension or children's allowance may be taken into account only in so far as each exceeds 10/- per week. This figure was fixed in the Social Welfare Act, 1948, in respect of pensions and in the Children's Allowances (Amendment) Act, 1952, for children's allowances.
Having regard to the serious depreciation in the value of money since 1948-50, would the Minister increase this amount substantially at an early date?
The position is that the public assistance authorities are required to give such public assistance as appears necessary to people who are unable to provide for themselves and their dependants.
If a local authority do not fulfil their obligations under the Public Assistance Acts, can the Minister intervene?
They are required by statute, but no case has been made to me that any public authority have not been doing that.
Having regard to the fact that apparently it was considered desirable to fix this particular figure as the one to be taken into account, and as it is presumed to have some relevance to a person's means, would the Minister not consider that the circumstances have so changed as to justify a doubling of this figure?
Since they are required to give such assistance as appears to be necessary, I cannot understand how this comes into it at all. It is a question of need. It is not a means test as in the case of the social assistance services; it is a question of need.
If it is not relevant, it should be excluded.
I did not put it there.
Can the Minister entertain an appeal by someone who is dissatisfied with the amount of assistance granted by a local authority?
If any case is brought to my notice, I will investigate it. I do not know exactly what I can do in the matter. They are bound by statute, and we will investigate any such case.
Has the Minister any power to direct a local authority to give an adequate amount of assistance?
Not in any particular case?
Does the Minister think he should take that power?