asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied), who drives his private motor car (registration number supplied) valued approximately £1,000, to a dispensary can claim assistance moneys for essentials of life; how much moneys have been collected by this person to date; and whether he intends to take steps to recoup these moneys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Assistance Payments.
25.
Whilst the administration of home assistance is subject to my general direction and control, home assistance is granted entirely at the discretion of the local public assistance authority and I am precluded by law from directing the giving of home assistance to any individual person. The question of recoupment of moneys paid by way of home assistance is also a matter for the public assistance authority.
The Deputy's question has been referred to the Dublin Health Authority, who are the public assistance authority concerned, for the authority's information and for any action considered necessary.
Can the Minister state approximately the amount of money his Department give for home assistance?
No, I could not give that information without separate notice.
The Minister knows it is nothing, a big duck egg. The Minister knows that. He does not need a supplementary brief.
Why did the Deputy ask the question, then?
I did not ask the question. I am answering it.
Why did the Deputy not tell him privately?
One Deputy asked a question about the amount.
The Minister said he did not know, that he needed to investigate it.
The Deputy is not quite correct either.