asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that letters making strong representations on behalf of a woman in urgent need of home assistance in the West Waterford area, written to both the local officer in Lismore and to the Secretary of the Waterford Health Authority last January, have not yet received the courtesy of an acknowledgment; that the application from the woman concerned for home assistance has not been acknowledged; and that apparently no consideration whatsoever has been given to this case; and if he will take steps to ensure that in future applications for home assistance are acknowledged, investigated and dealt with with the least possible delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Home Assistance Applicant.
22.
I have ascertained that the case to which the Deputy refers was investigated by the local authority last year and it was decided not to be a suitable one for home assistance. The applicant was notified accordingly.
I am also informed that having regard to the information in the possession of the public assistance authority, the case was not considered to require urgent attention following receipt of the Deputy's representations this year. It is noted for detailed re-investigation in due course and a reply to the Deputy will be issued when the re-investigation is made.
I should perhaps add that the Minister for Social Welfare is precluded by law from directing the granting of home assistance in any particular case.