Amendments are being circulated. However, they have been ruled out of order and I do not think we need worry about them.
Social Welfare (Temporary Provisions) Bill, 1980: Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 and 2 agreed to.
SECTION 3.
Question proposed: "That section 3 stand part of the Bill."
Deputy O'Connell raised a point that I did not follow completely. He contended that certain long-term social welfare beneficiaries might not receive a double weeks' payment during December because of the nomination of the 11th or 12th as the appropriate date. I gathered from his remarks he was afraid that, if a person was not a long-term social welfare recipient on that date but qualified as a long-term recipient afterwards, he would not get the double weeks' payment. I do not know any more about this matter other than what I heard here but I gather that was the gist of his remarks. Perhaps the Minister would clarify the position for the information of the House.
Will the Minister tell the House if any provision is being made for individuals receiving the disabled person's maintenance allowance as administered by the health boards? In addition, people in receipt of welfare from the health boards would be in need and they should be included in the list.
In relation to the points raised by Deputy Leyden. I tried to clarify the position in my speech. The disabled person's maintenance allowance will be covered by the Department of Health and the Deputy will note this in my speech. Also in the category are the infectious diseases maintenance allowance, the allowance in respect of the blind and the allowance in respect of domiciliary care for handicapped children, all of which are administered by the Department of Health. I put in this information to make clear to Deputies that these will be covered by separate regulation or order.
Deputy Boland raised a question regarding 11 and 12 December. There is the likelihood that some people may become eligible for long-term benefits after that date and these people would not be included in the present Bill. Deputy O'Connell asked if the Bill might be postponed so that this matter could be considered and I suggested in my reply to him that this would not be in the interest of people who are beneficiaries under the Bill. However, I will consider the matter.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 4 and 5 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and passed.