Recipients of social welfare or health board payments who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition, 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, lower cost diet or higher cost diet, has been prescribed by the applicant's medical adviser as well as the income of the individual and his or 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 €44 less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth in the case of a couple. The South Western Area Health Board has advised that the person concerned does not qualify for a diet supplement as her assessable income exceeds the cost of the appropriate diet.