asked the Minister for Health if all recipients of disabled persons' maintenance allowances and of infectious diseases maintenance allowances are entitled to the increase in the rate of these allowances; and whether his Department will refund 50 per cent of the increased to the local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Social Welfare Allowances.
45.
The maximum rates of these allowances were increased from 1st August, 1967, by 5/-per week—10/- per week in the case of recipients of infectious diseases (maintenance) allowances who had an adult dependant. Whether or not the increase is granted in whole or in part in any individual case is a matter for the local health authority concerned having regard to the other means, if any, of the recipient of the allowance.
The additional expenditure arising from the increase in the rates of allowances will rank for recoupment on the same basis as will apply to health expenditure generally.
Is every person in receipt of these allowances entitled to the 5/-?
I said "No".
The means test again.
Yes, that is right. Ninety per cent of them get it.