Vol. 455 No. 5
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Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 5 Jul 1995
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Written Answers. - Comfort Allowance.
62 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to increase the comfort allowance for patients in long-stay institutions from its present average figure of £10 per week, which figure has not been adequately increased over the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12470/95]
Limerick East): The present allowance of £10.90 per week payable to people in long-stay institutions who have no other source of income is revised annually in line with general increases in social welfare payments. Under this scheme health boards may pay this sum to cover the cost of basic necessities such as newspapers, toiletries, sweets, etc. I have no proposals to increase this allowance other than the general increases already referred to.
