Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Board Payment.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

63 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the health boards that pay disabled person's maintenance allowance weekly by way of a voucher system; the plans, if any, he has to ensure that all recipients will be paid on a weekly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11656/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The method of payment for disabled person's maintenance allowance (DPMA) in each of the eight health boards is set out in the following table:

Health Board	Method of Payment
Eastern Health Board	Weekly cheque or voucher book - applicant can choose his/her preferred method
Midland Health Board	Weekly cheque
North-Western Health Board	Weekly cheque
North-Eastern Health	Fortnightly cheque Board
North-Western Health Board	Issue book of cheques on 13 week basis with stipulation that cheques cannot be cashed until they fall due
South-Eastern Health Board	By payable order issued from HQ weekly
Southern Health Board	Book of 26 cheques issued twice yearly with stipulation that cheques cannot be cashed until they fall due
Western Health Board	Book of cheques on 13 week basis with stipulation that cheques cannot be cashed until they fall due

As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the payment of disabled person's maintenance allowance is transferring to the Department of Social Welfare from 1 July 1995 and any future changes in the method of paying disabled persons maintenance allowance will be a matter for that Department.