asked the Minister for Health the reasons disabled persons' maintenance allowances are not paid on a weekly basis in the Western health Board area; the plans, if any, to adopt this method of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disabled Persons' Maintenance Allowances.
413.
Disabled persons' maintenance allowances are not paid weekly in the Western Health Board because of accounting difficulties. However, the health board plan to introduce fortnightly payment with effect from 1 April 1980.
I am at present in contact with the health boards with a view to arranging for payment of allowances in books of cheques, in areas where this is not already the practice. This will enable persons to receive payment of the allowance weekly, if they so wish.