asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the tuberculosis patients' allowance is taken into consideration for the calculation of graded rents in County Dublin; and, if so, whether he will consider having such payments eliminated from the graded rent system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Allowance.
The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes". As regards the second part, I would refer the Deputy to the terms of my reply to his question on the 6th instant dealing with the responsibility for review of the graded rents system.
Is the Minister aware that this system, as carried out by the local authority under his control, is causing a lot of inconvenience and is not desirable, because as regards people suffering from tuberculosis, it was the intention when the Act was passed that they should avail of it fully? Is the Minister further aware that this matter is causing a lot of trouble and inconvenience and that it is not just that this thing should be allowed to go on; that these people should at least be allowed for the money given to them for maintenance under the Act and that it should not be taken into consideration under the graded rent system as put into operation by the Dublin County Council?
As agreed to by the Deputy's Party.
The Deputy should use his good offices to influence the Minister to do the right thing.
This matter is being reconsidered for further revision. I would also remind the Deputy that the tuberculosis allowance makes provision for the rent allowance and when the county council were considering the matter they had that in their minds.