Vol. 557 No. 1
448 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 554 of 5 November 2002, the maximum exceptional needs payment for maternity, clothing, hospital requisites, equipment and clothing for the baby and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21391/02]
There is no automatic entitlement to an exceptional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Payments are made at the discretion of the health boards taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of each individual case. There are no standard or maximum amounts payable in respect of the type of expenses mentioned by the Deputy. Each application is considered on its own merits and it is a matter for the health board to decide on the amount of assistance, if any, to be provided in each individual case.
