asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that allowances under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations payable to a woman in County Offaly in respect of two of her children have been reduced by the Offaly County Council, following the recent reduction in the rates of national health insurance; and, if so, whether this reduction is in accordance with the policy of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infectious Diseases Allowances (Offaly).
Mr. O'Higgins
Presumably the reference in the question to "the recent reduction in the rates of national health insurance" is intended to refer to the increase in these rates.
In the case of the two patients referred to by the Deputy the weekly amount of the allowance payable under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations is reduced by 18/- only in respect of the weekly amount of 24/- national health benefit received by each of these patients. It is understood that prior to a recent re-assessment of the means of this family, no deduction was made in respect of the national health benefit payable to these patients.
In calculating the amount of the allowance payable to a beneficiary under these regulations health authorities normally make an abatement in respect of any other income of the patient. Where such abatement in full would cause hardship the health authority may exercise a discretion and waive the whole or a portion of the abatement.
Is the Minister aware that the action of the health authorities in a great many cases has resulted in depriving patients of the increase granted recently under the national health scheme? Does he not consider that that is undesirable? I think his intention and the intention of the House was that this increase should be made available to patients. Will the Minister have the matter looked into?
It has been looked into Health authorities have been advised— all I can do is advise—that in my opinion they should get some increase as a result of the increase in the social welfare benefits — not the whole increase, but at least some increase. In this particular case it appears that it was a mere coincidence that the means were revalued at the same time these benefits came in.
Mr. Byrne
Is it not a fact that the Minister's Department gave a direction to the local authorities to reduce the benefits and that they just recently have restored portion of the benefits?
This is a specific instance. We cannot go into the larger question.
Mr. Byrne
The question is on the agenda. The Minister gave an order to reduce the benefit.
This is a particular question and we cannot raise the entire question on this particular instance.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister gave the order to reduce the benefits.
I did not, and we will make that clear in North-West Dublin, too.