The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the health boards under the general direction and control of my Department. In response to a letter from the person concerned relating to her claim my Department advised that the issue was appropriate to the Eastern Health Board and had been referred to the board for reply.
On 13 March 1991 the Department of Health received a letter from the person in question, on the same matter. The letter was correctly referred to my Department and the writer was advised of this. My Department acknowledged receipt of the letter, to the writer, on 27 March and indicated that the matter would receive attention. Inquiries into the matter are currently being conducted by my Department and a reply will issue to the person as soon as those inquiries are completed.