Vol. 557 No. 1
486 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if financial assistance for child care will be awarded as an exceptional needs payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if further financial assistance can be provided towards the cost of travel and accommodation. [21583/02]
The award of an exceptional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is a matter for the local health board which administers the scheme. The SouthEastern Health Board has advised that the person concerned, who is attending a special sign language course, qualifies for a grant from the Department of Education and Science to cater for travel and accommodation costs incurred by those participating on the course and that in those circumstances, an exceptional needs payment would not be warranted.
