asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to implement the commitment given by the Fianna Fáil Party to eliminating duplicate means tests carried out by both health boards and the Department of Social Welfare; and the timescale and administrative arrangements for any measures he proposes in this regard.
Written Answers. - Means Tests Duplication.
36.
Health boards assess means of applicants for the purpose of determining elegibility for services in accordance with the provisions of the Health Acts, 1947 to 1987.
The Department of Social Welfare also assess means in accordance with the provisions contained in the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981, and in regulations. The criteria set out in the health Acts are not the same as contained in the Social Welfare Act.
I have written to the Minister for Social Welfare suggesting that steps be taken, in accordance with the Government's commitment, to initiate discussions between officials of my Department, officals of the health boards and officals of the Department of Social Welfare to determine the extent to which co-ordination of means testing can be undertaken. The timescale and administrative arrangements for any measures to implement the commitment will emerge subsequent to these discussions.