Vol. 399 No. 3
28 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take action to put an end to the discriminatory policy of requiring travellers in Dublin to attend a central office at Lord Edward Street, Dublin 8, to apply for supplementary welfare allowance, as this requirement is not made of any other category of applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the payment of supplementary welfare allowances to persons in its functional area, set up a centralised specialist service for travellers in 1985. I understand from the board that the unit is operating satisfactorily. It was set up to provide a specialised and efficient service to travelling families. Its existence allows the board to provide a better and more secure service for travellers and target more effectively their special needs.
The operation of the unit is kept under continuous review and changes in the arrangements to improve the service to clients are introduced as they are considered appropriate.
