Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:28 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes changing the current guidelines on rent and mortgage subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/96]
Vol. 462 No. 1
28 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes changing the current guidelines on rent and mortgage subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/96]
51 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Social Welfare what proposals, if any, he has to change the current guidelines on rent and mortgage subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3991/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 51 together.
As part of the Government commitment to openness and transparency there is a commitment on the part of the Department of Social Welfare to publish all the guidance given by the Department on the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to the health boards, who administer the scheme. The first step of this task was completed on 19 October 1995 when the guidelines on exceptional needs payments were made public for the first time ever. In the preparation for publication of the guidance on rent and mortgage supplements, it was considered appropriate to give a legislative basis to this guidance, where it was possible to do so. This has been done through two new SIs Nos. 381 and 382 of 1995, copies of which can be made available to the Deputy on request. Those aspects of the guidance on rent and mortgage supplements which did not lend themselves to incorporation in an SI will be published as soon as possible.