Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.

Richard Bruton

Question:

979 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the standard calculation of the cost of a diabetic diet which she sets out for the community welfare service in calculating the payment of dietary supplements; the way in which this standard diet is calculated; and the way in which its cost is adjusted from year to year. [1270/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

Recipients of social welfare or health board payments who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition, including diabetes, and whose means are insufficient to meet their needs, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The amount of supplement payable depends on which of two categories of diet, that is lower cost diet or higher cost diet, has been prescribed by the applicant's medical advisor as well as the income of the individual and his/her dependants. Separate rates are payable in respect of child dependants under 18 years of age.

In the case of an adult, a diabetic diet is deemed to be a low cost diet, in which case the amount of diet supplement payable is €34.28 less one third of the applicant's income, one sixth in the case of a couple. In the case of an adult on a higher cost diet, the amount of diet supplement is €44.44 less one third of the applicant's income, one sixth in the case of a couple. In the case of a child dependant, under 18 years, a diabetic diet is deemed to be a high cost diet, in which case the amount of supplement is €10.26. A low cost diet supplement for a child dependant, under 18 years, is €6.35.

The rates of diet supplement are reviewed on a regular basis. In addition, in assessing an applicant's income for diet supplement purposes, increases in weekly social welfare payments since 1996 are disregarded under current arrangements.

All aspects of the current system of diet supplements are being examined in conjunction with a review of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is currently under way in my Department.