asked the Minister for Health if he will state the reasons for the delay in bringing into operation the disablement scheme under the Health Act, 1953, in Waterford City and County, and if he will ensure that, when the scheme is brought into operation, benefits will be paid with effect from October, 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disablement Benefit Scheme.
Arising from the request of Waterford County Council and Waterford Corporation for the delegation of their functions under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations, 1954, to the Waterford Board of Public Assistance, my Department communicated with the board on the 23rd December last and was informed by letter received on the 1st instant of the board's agreement to the proposed delegation of functions. I have made an Order under Section 45 of the Health Act, 1953, providing accordingly.
The determination of the date from which payment will be made in any particular case is a matter for the Waterford Board of Public Assistance who, presumably, in accordance with the normal procedure in such matters, will in determining the date have regard to the date on which the application for an allowance was received.