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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1969

Vol. 238 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Disability Allowance Eligibility.

97.

asked the Minister for Health what valuation of a farm will prevent a disabled married woman with a young family from getting a disability allowance.

98.

asked the Minister for Health if a person completely disabled by arthritis, having a young family and with a valuation of £30 can be refused disability allowance.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.

Under section 50 of the Health Act, 1953, disabled persons maintenance allowances are payable to disabled persons over sixteen years of age who are unable to provide for their own maintenance and whose relatives are unable to provide such maintenance. Relative is defined as any spouse, son, daughter or parent and, if living with the disabled person, any brother or sister.

The Act or regulations do not specify standards of income for the determination of eligibility for the allowances, the decision as to eligibility in any individual case being a matter for the appropriate health authority.

In the circumstances I am not in a position to give precise replies to the Deputy's questions. However, should the Deputy have specific cases in mind I would be glad to seek the health authority's observations on them if he furnishes me with the necessary particulars.

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