asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of infectious diseases allowances (a) the basis on which the rates of allowances are calculated, (b) the number of persons in receipt of such allowances, (c) the number of recipients who have no other source of income, and (d) the number of recipients with dependants and the number of such dependants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infectious Diseases Allowances.
36.
Mr. O'Malley
The maximum rates of infectious diseases (maintenance) allowances are specified in the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1964, and these allowances are, in general, abated by income from other sources, including social welfare benefits but excluding children's allowances. In exceptional cases where the health authority are satisfied that abatement in full of a maintenance allowance by income from other sources would cause undue hardship, the health authority are authorised to exercise discretion as to the amount, if any, of such abatement.
The number of persons in receipt of such allowances at 31st March, 1964, the latest date for which figures have been furnished to my Department, was 2,145.
Information in regard to (c) and (d) of the Deputy's question is not available in my Department.
I wonder if in the course of investigation into the health services the Minister would endeavour to have statistics obtained which would give the information I seek in the question?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes. It would be necessary to request all the health authorities in the country to make a special examination of their records but that could be done.
I trust it will be done.