Vol. 397 No. 7
37 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social Welfare the guidelines and instructions which are issued to the staff of the health boards who are administering the payment of rent allowances under the supplementary welfare scheme; and the way in which these guidelines have been changed over the past two years.
From time to time, to facilitate administration, guidelines in relation to various schemes are consolidated. The guidelines on rent and mortgage supplementation had been consolidated in 1977. As is the normal practice, these were supplemented by circular letters which had been issued over the years to deal with issues as they arose. In June 1988 the existing guidelines together with the supplementary circular letters were consolidated into a single document. The consolidated guidelines were more explicit than the old guidelines, with a view to achieving greater uniformity in their application throughout the country.
These were modified by a circular letter last year which notified the minimum rent contribution fixed by regulations and the new threshold — £30 — above which departmental sanction to the payment of supplements would be required.
43 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position in relation to support for voluntary groups; in particular, the number of persons permitted to claim unemployment benefit or assistance on the basis that they are involved in voluntary community work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
This year a total of £1,850,000 is being provided in the Estimates for my Department in respect of grants to voluntary organisations. This includes a provision of £750,000 for once-off grants to voluntary organisations in the social services area, £350,000 in respect of grants for locally based women's groups involved in programmes of self-help and personal development, £525,000 for community development projects and special grants of £150,000 to the Rape Crisis Centre and £50,000 for the Simon Community for community enterprise projects involving the homeless
Under the voluntary work option, unemployed people may become involved in voluntary work without losing their unemployment payments, provided that they continue to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking, but unable to obtain, employment. Voluntary organisations can apply to the local employment exchange for a determination as to whether the voluntary work in question can be undertaken by a claimant without affecting his entitlement. A total of 72 unemployed persons were approved to participate in the voluntary work option. At present 35 persons are availing of this option.
47 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of spouses of insured workers who have received free dental treatment since the scheme was extended to include them; the number of such persons who have applied; the latest position regarding the dispute with some members of the Irish Dental Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A total of 61,483 dental benefit claims have been received from dependent spouses since the extension of the scheme in October 1987. Of these, approximately 54,100 have been approved.
A total of 235 dentists have signed agreements covering dependent spouses. Information regarding dentists who are treating dependent spouses is available directly from my Department or from their local offices.
