Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Jul 1991

Vol. 410 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disabled Persons Grant Application.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

132 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the reason a training and maintenance grant was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who, although physically handicapped, is attending a third level college; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Western Health Board had already financed her attendance at ability enterprises for an introductory computers course and driving tuition; if he will outline the rules governing the scheme; and if parents income is taken into account in relation to eligibility for the scheme.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Under the terms of my Department's circular of June 1984 a person who is otherwise eligible for DPMA and who has been assessed as suitable for a third level course may be approved for a grant if the health board in question and the National Rehabilitation Board are agreed that the proposed course is the most appropriate form of training for the applicant and the one most likely to lead to open employment.

Payment of a grant therefore in any individual case is a matter for decision by the appropriate health board. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board with a request that he reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.