asked the Minister for Health why the Eastern Health Board stated that the sum allotted for the domiciliary allowance for handicapped children was not sufficient for all the applicants and that, accordingly, four children in County Kildare (details supplied) could not be paid this allowance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicapped Children's Allowance.
37.
I am informed by the Eastern Health Board that the position referred to by the Deputy arose through a misunderstanding by the board as to the availability of funds for the scheme. The matter has, however, been clarified and the board are now proceeding with the assessment of applications on the basis of the general criteria laid down for eligibility.
I am informed that the four cases referred to by the Deputy were not considered eligible as they did not satisfy the necessary conditions. The availability of funds was not an issue in these cases.
The Parliamentary Secretary must remember that the last time this matter was raised in the House I indicated that I had information which would show that a sufficient sum was not allocated at first to deal with the applicants. Will he agree that a supplementary sum was since allocated to cover these applicants? My main interest is to find out will all severly handicapped children qualify for this allowance or will somebody decide different degrees of severity? Will those who qualify get back payment to 1st October?
In reply to the last part of the question, all those who qualify will be paid from the date they applied and, if they are eligible, from 1st October. In reply to the other part of the question about who defines who qualifies, as I explained to the House previously, that is a matter for the CEO in each case in consultation with the medical officers of the area.
Normally speaking, mentally handicapped children fall into three categories: severely, mildly and moderately handicapped. Anybody who falls into the category of being severely mentally handicapped must surely qualify.
I agree.
The Parliamentary Secretary in his reply stated that the Eastern Health Board had sufficient money to pay people who are qualified but can he tell me if the MidWestern Health Board has enough money because they told applicants that they were qualified but that there was insufficient money to pay them.
This question refers to the Eastern Health Board.
The availability of funds should not be an issue in any of the cases. The money will be made available if the applicants are deemed to be eligible.
Can I tell the MidWestern Health Board that so that they can pay people they told were qualified?
I cannot make it any clearer than I have.
If the Deputy informs me, or the Parliamentary Secretary, who in the health board told him this I will investigate it.
I will give the Minister names and addresses.