Finian McGrath
Question:275 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise and assist on a matter regarding a person (details supplied). [25830/08]
View answerTuesday, 1 July 2008
Questions (207, 208)
Written answers
The 2008 Service Plan, developed by the HSE and approved by the Minister for Health and Children, included €50m for the development of additional disability services. The standard expenditure sanction issued to the HSE for 2008 stipulated that the prior approval of the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance would be required in the event of any proposal to spend this money for any other purpose.
Clearly, it is essential that the HSE lives within its overall budget for the year. It needs to manage its activity levels and cost drivers appropriately to achieve this and I do not believe it is desirable to resort to using development funding to offset expenditure pressures arising in respect of ongoing health services. The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year and roll-out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. I have been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter. The HSE has informed my Department that it plans to release €20m of the €50m additional funding for Disability Services.
The Deputy's specific question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:276 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise and assist on a matter regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will work with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on this issue. [25834/08]
View answerThe Mobility Allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey.
To qualify for a social assistance payment a person must satisfy a means test. The means test examines sources of income and includes provision to disregard numerous sources of income including child benefit, carers allowance/benefit, supplementary welfare, fuel allowance and living alone allowance. Mobility Allowance applicants must undergo a means test to ensure a cost effective delivery of the scheme. As per any social assistance scheme, a balance must be struck between the needs of any individual and the requirements to prioritise public funds. Any person who receives mobility allowance must do so on the basis of genuine need in accordance with the medical criteria and the means test laid down in the scheme.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.
The Community Welfare Officer (CWO) of the HSE has advised that the person has not made a request for an ENP. The CWO has further advised that should the person wish to be considered for an exceptional needs payment she should contact the HSE at (01) 8480666 or (01) 8774113 in order to make an appointment. If she is unable to attend the health centre the CWO can arrange to make a home visit.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.