Ivan Yates
Ceist:17 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposal to transfer responsibility for disabled persons maintenance allowance from health boards to the Department of Social Welfare.
Written Answers. - Responsibility for Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance.
Donal Carey
Ceist:33 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposals to transfer responsibility for disabled person's maintenance allowance from health boards to the Department of Social Welfare.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:89 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposals to transfer responsibility for disabled person's maintenance allowance from health boards to the Department of Social Welfare.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 33 and 89 together.
I am in favour of the transfer of the administration of the disabled person's maintenance allowance scheme to the Department of Social Welfare. This would bring about an end to the confusion and complexity that arises from the division of responsibility for income maintenance that exists between the two Departments and thereby lead to a more streamlined and efficient service. I know that my colleague, Deputy Michael Woods, Minister for Social Welfare, shares this view. Clearly administrative and other matters need to be resolved before this scheme can be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare. I would hope, however, that these issues can be resolved without undue delay in consultation with the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant Departments.