asked the Minister for Health the State benefits which are available to mentally handicapped persons aged 18 years and over.
570.
Written Answers. - Mental Health Facilities.
569.
asked the Minister for Health the discretionary State benefits available to mentally handicapped persons aged 18 years and over; and the circumstances in which they are granted.
571.
asked the Minister for Health the State benefits available to mentally handicapped persons, aged 18 years and over, which are subject to a means test; and the criteria applicable.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 569 to 571, inclusive, together.
The Department of Health do not operate any schemes of allowances specifically for the mentally handicapped. There are three main schemes under which a mentally handicapped person may be entitled to benefit.
(1) Disabled Persons Maintenance Allowance Scheme: This allowance is payable by health boards, subject to a means test, to persons over 16 years and under 66 years who are substantially handicapped and who are unable to maintain themselves or their spouse.
(2) The Mobility Allowance Scheme: This allowance is payable by health boards, subject to a means test, to severely handicapped people who are unable to walk. The scheme applies to persons over 16 years who are living at home or are maintained by a health board in any long term institution.
(3) Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance Scheme: The scheme applies to persons suffering from one of the specified infectious diseases who, by reason of undergoing treatment therefor is prevented from providing for his maintenance and that of his dependants.
Similarly the Department of Social Welfare does not operate any schemes specifically for mentally handicapped persons. However, such persons may qualify under the various social insurance and social assistance schemes subject to the satisfaction of qualification conditions.
I am sending the Deputy an information booklet covering the various allowances mentioned as well as some information leaflets on services for the mentally handicapped.