Mary Wallace
Ceist:87 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he intends to announce the relevant commencement order for the disability allowance. [8400/96]
Written Answers. - Disability Allowance.
The Social Welfare Act, 1996 provides the legislative basis for the transfer of responsibility for the administration of the disabled person's maintenance allowance scheme, to be known as disability allowance, to the Department of Social Welfare.
The transfer of the scheme is a major undertaking and it is imperative that all preparatory work is completed satisfactorily before the transfer takes effect. In addition to general administrative issues, the scheme transfer will have cost and staffing implications which are under discussion with staff interests.
It is my intention that the transfer will take place later this year and I will be in a position to announce the date of the commencement order when I am satisfied that all the necessary arrangements are in place.