asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a deserted wife's allowances book has been taken from a person (name supplied) in County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deserted Wife's Allowance.
24.
The social assistance allowance book in the case of the person named by the Deputy was not taken from her. It was recalled for adjustment in connection with the revision of rates of payment at April, 1975. The book was received in my Department on the 10th March, 1975, and was returned to the beneficiary on the 12th March, 1975.
That was not the information I received from the Parliamentary's Secretary's Department. When I rang the office I was told that this woman was accused of cohabiting. Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary might read the files a little more thoroughly. In fact, the letter sent to the Department was anonymous.
I have no information to that effect before me.
The officials of his Department have been failures as sex spies——
It is not a question of morals; it is a question of financial arrangements.
When I rang the Department from my home I was told by an officer of the Department that an anonymous letter had been received concerning this woman and that that was the reason for the decision that was made.
I have no information to this effect. My information is that the book was recalled in connection with revision of the allowance. It was recalled on 10th March and was returned on 12th March. With regard to the anonymous letter received, it has been made clear in the House by the Minister for Health and by myself on previous occasions that there are instructions in the Department to disregard anonymous letters.
I am delighted to hear that. I know the Parliamentary Secretary is sincere about this matter. I would ask him to check in his Department because I was given information by an officer.
I am anxious to help the Deputy but he must ask a specific question.
I will check on the matter but my information is that the book was recalled on 10th March and it was returned two days later. The only purpose was to regulate the increased payments due in April.
The book had not been returned.
I am calling the next question.
This is a rather serious matter.
Question No. 25. I have given the Deputy a lot of latitude. He seems to be imparting information rather than seeking it.
I am sure the Ceann Comhairle is as aware of this case——
Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle might like to ask a supplementary.
Deputy Davern has had a good innings on this question.
If the Parliamentary Secretary issues one instruction and if his Department issue a different one——
I will inquire further into this if the Deputy wishes me to do so. It might not be the best thing to do.