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Dáil Éireann - Volume 271 - 21 March, 1974 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicapped Children's Allowance. Mr. Power Mr. Power 37. Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health why the Eastern Health Board stated that the sum allotted for the domiciliary allowance for handicapped children was not sufficient for all the applicants and that, accordingly, four children in County Kildare (details supplied) could not be paid this allowance. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Mr. R. Barry) Richard Barry 634 Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Mr. R. Barry): I am informed by the Eastern Health Board that the position referred to by the Deputy arose through a misunderstanding by the board as to the availability of funds for the scheme. The [634] matter has, however, been clarified and the board are now proceeding with the assessment of applications on the basis of the general criteria laid down for eligibility. I am informed that the four cases referred to by the Deputy were not considered eligible as they did not satisfy the necessary conditions. The availability of funds was not an issue in these cases. Mr. Power Mr. Power Mr. Power: The Parliamentary Secretary must remember that the last time this matter was raised in the House I indicated that I had information which would show that a sufficient sum was not allocated at first to deal with the applicants. Will he agree that a supplementary sum was since allocated to cover these applicants? My main interest is to find out will all severly handicapped children qualify for this allowance or will somebody decide different degrees of severity? Will those who qualify get back payment to 1st October? Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry: In reply to the last part of the question, all those who qualify will be paid from the date they applied and, if they are eligible, from 1st October. In reply to the other part of the question about who defines who qualifies, as I explained to the House previously, that is a matter for the CEO in each case in consultation with the medical officers of the area. Mr. Power Mr. Power Mr. Power: Normally speaking, mentally handicapped children fall into three categories: severely, mildly and moderately handicapped. Anybody who falls into the category of being severely mentally handicapped must surely qualify. Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry: I agree. Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley: The Parliamentary Secretary in his reply stated that the Eastern Health Board had sufficient money to pay people who are qualified but can he tell me if the MidWestern Health Board has enough money because they told applicants that they were qualified but that there was insufficient money to pay them. An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy 635 [635] An Ceann Comhairle: This question refers to the Eastern Health Board. Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry: The availability of funds should not be an issue in any of the cases. The money will be made available if the applicants are deemed to be eligible. Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley: Can I tell the MidWestern Health Board that so that they can pay people they told were qualified? Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry Mr. R. Barry: I cannot make it any clearer than I have. Mr. Corish Mr. Corish Mr. Corish: If the Deputy informs me, or the Parliamentary Secretary, who in the health board told him this I will investigate it. Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley: I will give the Minister names and addresses. Dáil Éireann 271 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Handicapped Children's Allowance. Questions 19740321
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