97. Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of health board areas that are giving supplementary welfare allowance for holy communion and confirmation; the number that are not; and the reason therefor.
Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa): Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme all health boards may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need, including assistance with the cost of clothing, to persons in receipt of social welfare or health board payments.
Health boards recognise that confirmation and communion times involve families in additional expense and all boards assist with such costs. Health boards decide each application on its merits having regard to the income and circumstances of the applicant.
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