asked the Minister for Health his proposals, if any, to increase the allowance which is being paid at present to disabled persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disabled Persons' Allowance.
28.
A decision as to whether an increase is to be granted in the maximum amount payable under the Disabled Persons (Maintenance Allowances) Regulations is normally made in the course of the preparation of the budget and it would not be possible to anticipate any such decision at this stage.
I should like, however, to draw attention to the fact that in the last budget provision was made for an increase, as from the 1st July, 1973, of the weekly maximum rates of allowance from £4.90 to £5.90 in the case of a person with no means and from £4.65 to £5.65 in all other cases. In addition, effect was also given as from 1st July, 1973, to the provisions of section 69 of the Health Act, 1970, as a result of which, in determining entitlement to an allowance, only the applicant's own means and the means of his spouse, if any, are now taken into account.
These provisions have resulted in substantial additional benefits this year to the existing recipients of allowances and in the bringing into entitlement of substantial numbers of new recipients.
Is the Minister aware that only the disabled person receives an allowance? In the case of a person with dependants such as a wife and family, under existing legislation they are not entitled to any assistance except possibly home assistance?
I am so aware.
Would the Minister consider this position, especially in relation to people who are selfemployed and who have no stamps or anything else to support them when they are unemployed?
If they are selfemployed and certified incapable of work for a period of 12 months, they may be entitled to the disabled person's maintenance allowance. It has nothing to do with insurability.
In the case of a man with a family, does the Minister consider that the allowances quoted would be sufficient to cover him in the case of disablement?
I do not say that £4.90 or £5.90 is enough to keep a man. I answered the question I was asked and said a matter like this would be considered at budget time. The Deputy should appreciate that a relatively large amount of money was spent as a result of the budget proposals to increase these benefits and to bring in a greater number than heretofore. Previously, also, the income of the household was regarded as means for the purpose of qualifying for this allowance, but now the means test applies only to the person who applies and, in the case of a married man, to the means of himself and his wife.
We seem to be debating this matter.
Would the Minister not agree there is no allowance for dependants of this person?
I agree there is not.
Would it not be a better scheme if they were to be paid something like the unemployment assistance scale. If a man is invalided he should be paid on a scale which would support his wife and children also.
And he should have been for quite a long time.
I agree.
I am trying to do the best I can for him.
The Minister has done a lot for them, more than Fianna Fáil did for 30 years. Let that go down to his eternal credit.