asked the Minister for Health the conditions of payment of tuberculosis allowances by local authorities, and the manner in which such payments are made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Allowances.
3.
The conditions governing the payment of an allowance under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1952, are laid down in Section 44 of the Health Act, 1947 (as amended). These conditions are that the person:—
(a) is suffering from an infectious disease, or a disease suspected to be an infectious disease by the chief medical officer of the health authority in whose functional area such person ordinarily resides;
(b) is undergoing treatment therefor to the satisfaction of the chief medical officer of the health authority in whose functional area such person ordinarily resides; and
(c) is thereby prevented from making reasonable and proper provision for his own maintenance or the maintenance of his dependants.
The rates of allowances specified in the regulations are maximum rates and, in determining the amount payable, the health authority have regard to the means of the applicant and to the circumstances of his household generally.
The manner in which the allowances are paid is a matter for determination by each health authority and, as far as possible, they are arranged to suit the convenience of recipients. Payments are ordinarily made on a Paying Order or cash basis at weekly or fortnightly intervals.