asked the Minister for Health the circumstances and regulations under which the disability pension and allowances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who is confined to a wheelchair ceased some weeks ago, on his having notified the Eastern Health Board of his marriage, even though the Eastern Health Board were aware or the fact that as yet his wife is not receiving any income tax allowance in respect of her husband; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Discontinuation of Allowances.
292.
I have made inquiries of the Eastern Health Board regarding the case referred to by the Deputy. The person in question was in receipt of a disabled person's maintenance allowance and a mobility allowance until 27 September 1984 when both allowances were discontinued on means grounds.
In assessing eligibility for these allowances, a health board is obliged to take both the income of the recipient and that of his or her spouse into account. When the person referred to by the Deputy got married recently, the Eastern Health Board discontinued his allowances since his wife's means exceeded the income guidelines laid down under both schemes.