asked the Minister for Social Welfare why an applicant (name supplied) has not had his rate of disability increased in view of the fact that he has two grandchildren residing with him in respect of whom his wife is paid children's allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disability Benefit Applicant.
71.
Increases of disability benefit in respect of the two grandchildren mentioned by the Deputy in his question were disallowed as the children were not regarded as qualified children normally resident with the claimant. The children's allowances being paid to the claimant's wife were paid to her only as agent for the children's parents following a claim made by her in October, 1970, when she stated that the children had been left in her care by their mother. In view of the Deputy's statement in his representations to my Department that the children had been deserted by their parents, inquiries are being made in the matter and the question of an increase in the rate of disability benefit in respect of the children will be determined in the light of the outcome.
I am very thankful to the Minister, but I did not ask for an increase in the disability allowance. I just asked that the grandparents would be considered for the disability benefit as they have been for the children's allowance.
That is what we mean by an increase.
Anything is better than nothing.