asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a scheme to provide for payment from the Exchequer to persons in continuous ill-health and to persons living under subnormal conditions who are unable to provide the necessities of life and who are in dire distress as local authorities cannot adequately meet their needs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assistance of Needy.
83.
The Exchequer already contributes significantly to the cost of the disabled persons maintenance allowance scheme which provides for persons who are chronically unfit to earn their livelihood. Additionally, local authorities are empowered under the Public Assistance Act, 1939, to provide assistance in cash or in kind for necessitous persons. Ways and means of improving the circumstances of chronically unfit and necessitous persons are being carefully considered by the Government.
The Deputy will appreciate that any amendment of existing arrangements is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Health and Social Welfare.