asked the Minister for Health if she will reduce the period of time that a handicapped person must remain at home, while on vacation, in order to obtain the maintenance allowance.
Written Answers. - Handicapped Persons' Benefits.
653.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the allowances for the domiciliary care of handicapped children. This scheme does not provide for the payment of allowances in respect of children who are in institutional care. However if a child is at home for an extended period, that is, in excess of two months, the allowance is payable.
Likewise where a child is being maintained at home, the allowance continues to be payable for a period of up to two months while the child is away from home on holidays or receiving treatment in hospital.
It is not my intention to make any changes in the present arrangements.
654.
asked the Minister for Health if she will issue a booklet indicating all the benefits available to mentally and physically handicapped people.
655.
asked the Minister for Health if she will list all the benefits available to mentally and physically handicapped people.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 654 and 655 together.
An explanatory booklet, "Entitlements for the Disabled", which outlines services available to physically and mentally disabled persons is available from the National Social Service Board, 91 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.
I have arranged to have a copy of the booklet sent to the Deputy.
656.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will consider making a free electricity supply available to families with handicapped children in rural areas.
Under the existing scheme, a free electricity allowance is available, broadly speaking, to persons receiving certain welfare type pensions or allowances and who are living alone or with defined categories of persons. In determining entitlement no distinction is made between those living in rural areas or in urban areas. It is not intended to extend the scheme beyond its existing limits for the present.