asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that it is becoming a common practice to pay recipients of supplementary welfare allowance by way of food vouchers instead of cash; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
80.
I have no evidence that health boards are making more frequent use of food vouchers for payment of supplementary welfare allowances than heretofore.
81.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is satisfied with existing appeals machinery under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
I am satisfied that the appeals machinery at present in operation under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme is working reasonably well. I am, nevertheless, keeping the system under review.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present arrangements for publicising details of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme; and if he is satisfied that they are adequate.
As I informed the Deputy on earlier occasions, details of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme are available at all information offices of my Department. Leaflets giving particulars about the scheme have also been distributed to all health centres and Community Information Centres registered with the National Social Service Council. I am satisfied that information about the scheme is readily available to anyone who wishes to obtain it.