andMr. Nealon asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department pay grants to members of the public; if so, the amount of each such grant approved for payment, but unpaid as of 31 December 1987; and the equivalent figure for 31 December 1986.
Written Answers. - Grant Schemes.
67.
The Department operate the following grant schemes: death grant under the social insurance system; funeral grant under the occupational injuries scheme; multiple birth grant under the child benefit scheme.
Payment of these grants is a statutory entitlement under the Social Welfare Acts and once an entitlement is established, payment is made without delay.
The Department also operate the non-statutory scheme of grants to voluntary bodies in the social services area. There were no grants approved but unpaid under that scheme as at 31 December 1987 or 31 December 1986.