asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of persons receiving the prescribed relative's allowance at present and at this stage last year; and the reason for the reduction in the numbers obtaining this allowance.
Written Answers. - Prescribed Relative's Allowance.
28.
A total of 2,241 persons were in receipt of the prescribed relative's allowance at the end of 1985. The corresponding figure for 1984 is 2,515. Routine reviews of continuing entitlement is an ongoing feature of the administration of this scheme. These reviews are bringing to light cases where the conditions for receipt of the allowance are no longer satisfied and the allowance must, therefore, be withdrawn. The withdrawal of the allowance in such cases accounts for the reduction in the number of allowances in payment.