asked the Minister for Health the annual saving to his Department through the decision to pay mobility allowance only to those who are eligible on an income of disabled persons maintenance allowance or less; if he will reconsider this in order that eligible persons who are in receipt of an invalidity pension would continue to receive the payments; and if he will allow health boards to have discretion in such marginal cases as that of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Written Answers. - Departmental Annual Savings.
123.
There has not been any new decision in relation to the mobility allowance and the question of savings does not arise. The means test for the mobility allowance continues to be similar to that which applies in the case of the disabled person's maintenance allowance. While health boards have discretion in the manner of the application of the test, there appear to be some unusual features in the case referred to by the Deputy. I am in communication with the health board in relation to it and will write to the Deputy when I have completed my inquiries.