asked the Minister for Health if he will state whether it is the policy of the Department to encourage local authorities to make payments under the infectious diseases regulations by cheque or money order and so obviate the necessity of these patients attending and usually waiting unduly long at a dispensary or similar clinic for receipt of the allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances under Infectious Diseases Regulations.
Health authorities have been specifically instructed by my Department to arrange payment by cheque or paying order of allowances under the regulations referred to by the Deputy when so desired by the beneficiary. I would strongly deprecate any action by a health authority which would have the effect of requiring beneficiaries, contrary to their wishes, to attend in person to receive their allowances in cash, even if, when they did attend, no waiting was involved.