Vol. 465 No. 7
25 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to consult organisations for the disabled concerning the further implementation of the transfer of disability allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10285/96]
In the context of the transfer of disabled person's maintenance allowance—disabled person's maintenance allowance—from the health boards to this Department consultations have already taken place with organisations representing people with disabilities. The response from the organisations has been very positive. I intend to avail further of the assistance and advice of these organisations in the implementation of the transfer and in the further development of the scheme.
As Deputies will know, the Social Welfare Act 1996 provides the legislative basis for the transfer of the disabled person's maintenance allowance scheme —to be known as disability allowance —to the Department of Social Welfare. The transfer will take place later this year and the assistance of relevant organisations will be vital in ensuring that the transfer is implemented smoothly and that recipients of the allowance are fully informed at all stages of the process.
