asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct all health authorities to have a social welfare department in each of their head offices to look after in a proper way the poorer sections of the community, to ensure that there is no person hungry and in want in Irish society, and to cooperate with all recognised charitable societies who have been helping the poor for many years.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid for Poor.
75.
I would point out to the Deputy that the Minister for Social Welfare is the appropriate Minister for questions relating to social welfare policies, which are implemented through the social insurance and assistance schemes, including home assistance. My Department, however, in the course of its work to promote better health, also helps to achieve the various social objectives specified by the Deputy. For example, the lower income group receive completely free medical services; shelter and maintenance is provided in County Homes; grants are approved by health authorities to numerous charitable organisations who provide residental or community care for the underprivileged, particularly the aged.
I have recently urged health authorities to adopt a sympathetic and co-operative attitude towards well-founded community social service organisations and authorised them to give £50,000 this year and £75,000 next year to such bodies for community care of the aged.
I would also remind the Deputy that local authorities already have in their head offices, both health and social welfare type sections. In Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, the health authority is also the public assistance authority; in the other areas, the local authority is both the health and the public assistance authority.
There is a social problem in this country.
There will always be social problems in every country.
I was anxious that in our affluent society nobody would be hungry. There are people who through no fault of their own may be ill for a while. They are outside the social welfare benefits altogether. It was for these people I was anxious that the direction would be given. I do not want anybody in our society hungry no matter who they are. I am a member of a Party which is anxious about the social welfare of all our people irrespective of class or creed.
You are admitting they are hungry.