Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
114 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the terms on which the mobility grant have been changed in the Estimates for 2005; the means thresholds and payment rates which will apply; if normal budget increases apply to this payment; and if so, if the increase is linked to the increase in old age pensions or general social welfare payments. [30864/04]
View answerThe mobility allowance was introduced in 1979 by circular 15/79 and is payable under section 61 of the Health Act 1970. The terms on which the mobility allowance is paid has not changed since the current circular of July, 2002 was introduced. The applicant's total assessable income is taken and any income in excess of the disability allowance rate is deducted from the amount of mobility allowance payable. In the case of couples where one individual is eligible, any combined income in excess of the appropriate disability allowance rate for the family composition is taken as means and deducted from the amount of mobility allowance payable. In the case of couples where both are eligible, the joint incomes are added together and divided by two. This gives the assessable income for each eligible applicant. Any income in excess of the single disability allowance rate plus half the disability allowance child dependant rate, where applicable, in respect of both eligible applicants is deducted from the amount of mobility allowance payable.
The following should not be considered as means: an allowance received from an organisation approved by the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment while undergoing a course of rehabilitative or vocational training; blind welfare allowance; carer's allowance-benefit; child benefit; domiciliary care allowance; foster care allowance; higher education grants; income up to a maximum amount approved in employment of a therapeutic or rehabilitative nature; living alone allowance; moneys received from charitable organisations other than remuneration; over 80 allowance; special compensation awards that are exempted by legislation, such as hepatitis C, thalidomide; supplementary welfare allowance; travel and meal allowances paid to participants on Government approved schemes; and the benefit of the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme.
The current rates of mobility allowance are as follows: a maximum amount of €142 per month, from 1 Jan 2004, is available only to eligible persons who do not benefit from the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme. Those who benefit from both the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme and mobility allowance will receive a mobility allowance up to a maximum amount of €71 per month from 1 January 2004. Any increase in health related allowances-grants is dealt with in the budget and is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
115 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the terms on which the domiciliary care allowance is paid have been changed in the Estimates for 2005; and the index which will be used to update its value in respect of budget day increases. [30865/04]
View answerThe domiciliary care allowance was introduced in 1973 by way of circular 24/73 and is payable under section 61 of the Health Act 1970. The terms on which the domiciliary care allowance is paid has not changed since the current circular of July 2002 was introduced. Any increase in health related allowances-grants is dealt with on budget day and is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
