Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

226 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the individual cases where as much as 70 per cent of social welfare Christmas bonus payments made to pensioners who are full time residents in long-term care facilities administered by health boards are not going to the benefit of pensioners as was the intention of the payment but instead are going to defray hospital costs; the steps, if any, he will take to change this situation for the benefit of pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21893/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I should explain at the outset that under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations, 1976, as amended by the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) (Amendment) Regulations, 1987, health boards are entitled to make charges in respect of extended in-patient care. However, I understand that in the majority of cases, the Christmas bonus payments being made by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs will, in general, be paid in full directly to qualifying patients. While all qualifying patients will benefit to the full value of the additional payment there may be some cases where a portion of the payment will be used for the purchase of clothing, presents, etc. It is understood that deductions will not be made in respect of hospital maintenance charges in most health board areas.

My Department is currently seeking clarification in respect of the procedures applied by health boards in this area and I will communicate with the Deputy in the matter as soon as I have received the information required.