asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of the amount of money owed by local authorities to the health boards under the Supplementary Welfare Act, if he has plans to amend the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Act.
3.
Under the Social Welfare Act, 1983 the provisions relating to the financing of supplementary welfare allowances were amended so as to provide with effect from the begininng of 1982 a more equitable sharing of the overall cost of the scheme as between local authorities and the Exchequer. I am aware that many local authorities have not fulfilled their statutory obligations to the health boards over the years in relation to this scheme. I am keeping the financing arrangements under examination with a view to taking whatever action is necessary to ensure that these obligations are met and that health boards are adequately funded to carry out their functions under the scheme.
Would the Minister not accept that a serious problem is created for county councils, local authorities and health boards because of the way the scheme is administered at present and that the county councils are not transferring funds to the health boards? A simple transfer of £25 million from the Department of the Environment — who are responsible for most of the funding of county councils — to the Department of Health would solve this problem and alleviate the situation for county councils and the health boards.
I can assure the Deputy that the Minister is fully aware of the situation and that financial arrangements are being kept under constant examination with a view to taking whatever action is necessary to ensure that obligations are met and that health boards are adequately funded. This situation is being closely examined.
Would the Minister not accept that this problem is getting steadily worse as a result of the increase in the number of people paying supplementary allowance — mainly as a result of his own Government's policy? Would he not also accept that it is insufficient for him to come here and say the situation is being kept under review when he is aware of the situation for local authorities and health boards? Would he not accept that a simple transfer of £25 million from one Department to another would solve the problem and alleviate the situation which is created for health boards and county councils alike?
In my original reply I gave an assurance that whatever steps are necessary will be taken.
When will the necessary steps be taken?
The problem is being kept under review and steps will be taken to ensure that the health boards are adequately funded to carry out their functions.