The supplementary welfare allowance — SWA — scheme is administered by the health boards on behalf of my Department. Under the legislation governing the scheme, the determination of entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance is a matter for the chief executive officer of the board. Under the SWA scheme, health boards may pay a weekly supplement towards rent or mortgage interest payments to people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. In determining whether assistance with rent and mortgate payments should be given in any case, the health boards have reference to regulations and guidelines issued by my Department.