asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that local authorities are taking into consideration, in calculating means for the purpose of the grant of Home Assistance, benefits received by insured persons under the National Health Insurance Acts although the latter Acts provide that such benefit should not be taken into consideration unless it exceeds 7/6 per week, and whether the Minister will call the attention of local authorities to the provisions of the National Health Insurance Acts so as to secure compliance with the requirements of the Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Benefit and Home Assistance.
No complaints have been made to me that local authorities, in considering claims for home assistance, have disregarded the provisions of the National Health Insurance Acts. If the Deputy can supply me with details of the cases he has in mind, I will arrange to have the matter brought to the notice of the local authority concerned.
I shall arrange to supply particulars.