Desmond J. O'Malley
Ceist:28 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes changing the current guidelines on rent and mortgage subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/96]
Written Answers. - Rent and Mortgage Subsidies.
Helen Keogh
Ceist:51 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Social Welfare what proposals, if any, he has to change the current guidelines on rent and mortgage subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3991/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 51 together.
As part of the Government commitment to openness and transparency there is a commitment on the part of the Department of Social Welfare to publish all the guidance given by the Department on the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to the health boards, who administer the scheme. The first step of this task was completed on 19 October 1995 when the guidelines on exceptional needs payments were made public for the first time ever. In the preparation for publication of the guidance on rent and mortgage supplements, it was considered appropriate to give a legislative basis to this guidance, where it was possible to do so. This has been done through two new SIs Nos. 381 and 382 of 1995, copies of which can be made available to the Deputy on request. Those aspects of the guidance on rent and mortgage supplements which did not lend themselves to incorporation in an SI will be published as soon as possible.
The current guidance on rent and mortgage supplements is, therefore, contained in the new SI No. 382 of 1995 and the explanatory documentation which was sent to the health boards with the SI. The current guidance builds on the previous guidance which was drawn up in 1988 and incorporates some of the good administrative practices which have been developed within the health boards since then.
The main change from the 1988 guidance is that some direction which was formerly contained in administrative internal circulars is now covered by a statutory instrument.
I also availed of the opportunity to consolidate the regulatory provisions relating to supplementary welfare allowance and related provisions governing the making of claims and payments.