asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to implement the recommendation of the Commission on Social Welfare that the main income maintenance functions should be transferred from the health boards to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Commission on Social Welfare Recommendation.
24.
The income maintenance schemes at present administered by the health boards which the Commission on Social Welfare recommended should be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare are Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Disabled Persons Maintenance Allowance and Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance.
I am examining all aspects of the administration of social welfare services to identify ways in which the service given to the Department's clients can be improved. In particular I am examining ways in which the Department's services can be localised at the point of delivery. The future of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is an important element of this and the commission's recommendations in relation to the administration of the scheme are being taken into account in this context.
The question as to whether the other health board schemes referred to by the commission should be integrated into the social welfare system is also being considered. I will be putting my proposals to the Government in relation to these matters in due course.