asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that some local authorities have negatived the recent social welfare benefit increases by reducing the home assistance being paid by the amount of the social welfare increases, and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
Some months ago it was brought to my notice that one local authority had offset the recent increases in Social Insurance benefits by reducing the amount of Home Assistance Allowances. I immediately informed all Public Assistance authorities of my strong objection to this action. I am glad to say that there has been no general reduction in the payment of home assistance because of the increased benefits. In the particular case I mentioned where the local authority had made reductions, the former rates of Home Assistance have since been restored.
Is the Minister not aware that a number of local authorities have, since the date of his instruction, reduced the amount which was being paid in home assistance to those people by an amount equivalent to the increases they received in social welfare benefits, and would he again remind those local authorities that, even if it is within the law, it is a mean act on their part?
Would the Minister say what statutory function he has in connection with this matter? Is it a matter of his suggesting to the local authorities or has the Minister any function? Let us clear the air.
The Minister has no function as far as making an Order is concerned. I am advised I am precluded from making an Order prohibiting the local authorities from taking into account the increases in social welfare benefits for the purpose of home assistance payments. The local authorities are well aware of my views. I think it was a mean and despicable act on the part of local authorities to have done that. The only way I could deal with the matter would be by introducing legislation. I do not think it is necessary to do that, in view of the fact that practically all the local authorities behaved pretty well and did not reduce home assistance. I think there were only one or two who made these deductions.
Is the Minister not aware that the Department of Defence is giving a good headline to local authorities to flaunt the Minister's suggestions by reducing the special allowances payable to I.R.A. men when they get an increase in social welfare benefits?
Ask the Minister for Defence. I am responsible for my own Department only. Why does not the Deputy ask the question if he wants the information?
It was asked.
You are all very cross to-day.
They are showing off.
Is that it?
There were never so many Ministers since Brian Boru.