asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if a decision has yet been reached with reference to the Dublin Corporation's proposal to increase the allowances payable to blind persons; and, also, if he will receive the corporation deputation appointed to state their case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances to Blind Persons.
Mr. Byrne
A reply has been issued to the corporation. A decision on the question of a deputation has been deferred.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister say if he will receive the deputation?
That decision has been deferred until I get a reply from the corporation to my last letter.
Mr. Byrne
I saw the reply going to the Minister, with a statement from the Blind Persons' Association, making their claims. I have seen it. Something must have gone wrong in the Minister's Department.
Is that a question, Sir?
Mr. Byrne
It is. I am asking the Minister if he is aware that the Dublin Corporation sent in an appeal from the blind asking him to increase their allowances. The corporation asked that a deputation be received. The Minister has not yet received the deputation, although he said that he would do so if a statement on behalf of the blind were submitted to him.
I have told the Deputy that a reply was issued to the corporation, and that a decision on the question of receiving a deputation has been deferred.
Mr. Byrne
Why defer it any longer?
It must be deferred at least until I get the corporation's reply to my letter.
Mr. Byrne
But will the Minister receive the deputation? He said he would receive them if they submitted a statement. A statement has been submitted to the Minister's Department, but no reply has been received. Will the Minister kindly make inquiries in his office to see whether anything has gone wrong there?
Nothing has gone wrong in my office. I have told the Deputy that a reply has been issued to the last letter received from the corporation. When I receive the corporation's observations on my reply to their original letter, a decision will be given as to whether or not the deputation will be received.