asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a considerable amount of additional work is thrown on home assistance officers by the provisions of the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1934; and that the circumstances are such as to compel boards of health to pay these officers extra remuneration; and if he will state whether it is the intention of the Government to recoup the boards of health for such extra expenditure by grants from the moneys collected by the Government by way of levy under the Act; and, if not, what other steps he intends to take to recoup the boards of health for their extra expenditure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Assistance Officers.
I am aware that a certain amount of additional work falls on home assistance officers for services in connection with the distribution of vouchers for free beef to recipients of home assistance and that local authorities have made grants to the home assistance officers in respect of this additional work.
No provision has been made for payment from Government funds in this matter and any remuneration paid will be defrayed out of the rates.