Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.

Richard Bruton

Question:

310 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the means test for a disabled person's maintenance allowance, where a spouse is working, is applied on a much stricter basis than in the case of unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I am aware that certain deductions from a spouse's gross income which are allowed in the case of means assessment for unemployment assistance are not, in some instances, allowed by health boards in the case of DPMA. This is a matter which is currently being taken up with the health boards concerned.