Vol. 429 No. 6
85 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the delays at health centres for persons awaiting payment of their rent allowances, a postal system could be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In order to minimise inconvenience for clients in attending at the health centres, health boards, where possible, have introduced monthly payment of rent supplements. This measure, which continues to be developed, has reduced significantly the numbers attending centres.
At present, in a number of areas, rent supplement cheques are posted to clients. The development of a computerised rent payment system is currently under examination in the Eastern Health Board and the possibility of increasing the number of postal payments to clients is being addressed in this context.
