asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is proposed to bring the assistance for relatives travelling to visit prisoners in the United Kingdom into line with those operating in Northern Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assistance for Prison Visitors.
19.
Under existing legislation, assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme may be provided by a health board, where they consider it reasonable, to meet an exceptional need. I am satisfied that the health boards have sufficient scope to deal with problems of the type mentioned by the Deputy within this context and are doing so and I have no proposals for change along the lines suggested.