asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that many recipients of disablement allowance are unable to travel to collect their allowance, he will make arrangements for the allowance to be sent to them by post.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disablement Allowances.
12.
Arrangements for the payment of disabled persons maintenance allowances are primarily a matter for the health boards.
I understand that such arrangements vary from one area to another. For example, in Dublin recipients have the option of having payments sent to their home address by post or, alternatively, of collecting the remittance from their local assistance officer. In some other areas payments are made by the assistance officers at local centres and where necessary the allowance is delivered to recipients at their homes.
I am not aware that hardship is being experienced by recipients arising from the manner of payments of the allowance but if the Deputy is aware of any instances of this and will let me have particulars I will be glad to look into the matter.
The Minister may not be aware that there is considerable inconvenience and hardship caused but this is a fact and the number of cases are too numerous for me to bring them to the Minister's attention. Would the Minister issue a directive to the health boards that the allowances might be sent by post to people, many of whom are living alone and cannot arrange for collection of the remittances? If a uniform method throughout the health boards could be employed, it would be advantageous to the recipients.
I would need more evidence of the complaints. I have little evidence of complaints with regard to this matter.
The Minister must be aware that there are isolated parts of the country where people cannot arrange to collect remittances at local depots. Would he consider investigating this matter?
It is a matter for the health boards in the first instance.
Would the Minister not make recommendations to the health boards?
No, not at present.
The Minister makes enough recommendations on other matters.
13.
asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the establishment of an appeals tribunal to which persons who unsuccessfully apply for benefits such as disabled persons maintenance allowance can present their claims.
The answer is in the negative.