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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Maternity Grants.

Nora Owen

Ceist:

390 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a new born babies grant to all mothers with a view to assisting with the very heavy expenses associated with a new baby; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8395/99]

I have no plans to introduce a grant of the type suggested by the Deputy. The report of the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme Review Group, which was circulated in 1997, recommended that payment of the existing small maternity cash grant, which is available to women in the lower income group, should cease and that health boards should consider providing assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. My Department is currently in the process of implementing the report's recommendations.

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