asked the Minister for Health if any moneys payable in respect of a domiciliary care allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 can be offset against an over-payment of supplementary welfare allowance to this person.
Written Answers. - Domiciliary Care Allowance.
155.
The payment of domiciliary care allowance in any individual case is a matter for determination by the health board concerned, having regard to all the relevant circumstances in that case.
I had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board in this case and have been informed that the person in question applied for and was granted a domiciliary care allowance with effect from the date of application, i.e., 16 July 1987. I understand that the applicant is seeking payment of the allowance for some considerable period prior to that date and to offset any such payment against an overpayment to him of supplementary welfare allowance. Unfortunately, it is not administratively feasible to make payments of domiciliary care allowance in respect of any period prior to the date of application.
I also understand from the health board that agreement has now been reached with the applicant regarding the repayment of the overpayment of supplementary welfare allowance on the basis of a deduction of £5 per week from his unemployment assistance payments.