asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is satisfied with existing appeals machinery under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme; the plans his Department have for the introduction of a new formal appeals system to operate the scheme.
Written Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowances.
101.
I consider that the existing appeals machinery under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme is working reasonably well. The system is, however, at present under review in my Department and one of the matters being considered is whether it would be advisable to introduce more formalised procedures.
102.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present arrangements for publicising details of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme; and if he is satisfied that they are adequate.
Details of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme are available at all information offices of my Department and at local offices of the health boards. I am satisfied that adequate information about the scheme is readily available to anyone who wishes to obtain it.
103.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of applicants to date for supplementary welfare allowance; the number approved; and the total amount paid.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available in the form requested. However, in the week ended 29th October some 14,000 persons were in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at a cost of approximately £86,000.
104.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is satisfied that the training facilities for community welfare officers are adequate to enable them to implement the supplementary welfare allowance scheme competently.
I am generally satisfied that community welfare officers have received adequate training to implement the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The further training needs of these officers are being kept under review.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is satisfied that applicants for the supplementary welfare allowance scheme are fully aware of how their means are assessed, and are given reasons for rejection.
Community welfare officers are expected to inform applicants for supplementary welfare allowance as to how their means have been assessed and to give reasons for refusal where this arises.
106.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is satisfied that all community welfare officers have received the guidelines for administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
My information is that all community welfare officers have been issued with copies of the guidelines on the operation and administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.