asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to increase the infectious diseases maintenance allowance so as to bring it into line with national health benefits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infectious Diseases Allowance.
3.
The personal allowances payable under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations to single persons, widowers, widows and married couples, were increased as recently as 1st November last and the maximum rates of rent allowances payable under these regulations were increased substantially with effect from the same date. The rates of personal allowances compare favourably, in general, with the rates of disability benefit payable under the Social Welfare Acts. When account is taken of the fact that personal and dependants' allowances payable under the Infectious Diseases Regulations may be supplemented by a rent allowance and a domestic help allowance in appropriate cases, it will be apparent that overall, the provision made under these regulations is more liberal than under the social welfare code.