Vol. 443 No. 7
57 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of the system by which a diet allowance is calculated; and if it is normal to award an allowance of as little as £2 towards the cost of a special diet costing approximately £14 as in the case of a person (details supplied).
Social welfare recipients who have a special dietary requirement arising from a health condition and whose means are insufficient to meet this need, may qualify for an additional weekly payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Entitlement to payment of a diet supplement is determined by the health boards by reference to standard costed diets. The supplement paid is in respect of the additional cost of the special diet over and above the amount a person would be expected to pay for a normal diet.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that the level of supplement payable in respect of the daughter of the person concerned has been revised upwards from £2 to £8.90 per week following a recent review of the case. The person in question has been advised of the increase and that appropriate arrears will be paid by the board as soon as possible.
