Michael Ring
Ceist:1061 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an arrears payment of blind welfare allowance. [16180/02]
Written Answers. - Health Board Allowances.
The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the blind welfare allowance in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
Michael Ring
Ceist:1062 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be provided to the Western Health Board to pay out arrears of the blind welfare allowance scheme. [16181/02]
My Department has received a request from the health boards' chief executive officers seeking approval for a revised interpretation of the method of payment of blind welfare allowance. The proposed revised interpretation and its cost implications, including payment of arrears, will be examined fully by my Department.