asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider as a matter of urgency allowing the Ombudsman to investigate matters relating to the health boards with particular reference to supplementary welfare allowance and to free fuel administration; and the other proposals he has through his Department of allowing an independent appeal process outside of the health boards for such cases.
Written Answers. - Investigations by Ombudsman.
102.
The Ombudsman is already empowered under the Ombudsman Act (First Schedule) (Amendment) Order, 1984, which came into operation on 1 April 1985 to investigate matters relating to the health boards, including matters relating to the supplementary welfare allowance and national fuel schemes.
There are no proposals to alter the existing appeals system in relation to the supplementary welfare allowance and national fuel schemes. However, the Commission on Social Welfare is at present examining all aspects of the social welfare code and when its report is published consideration will be given to any recommendation which it may contain on this matter.