50.
Mr. James Tully: asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of the most recent year for which figures are available the expenditure by his Department under the [1350] Disabled Persons (Rehabilitation) Regulations, 1963, made under section 50 of the Health Act, 1953, in relation to persons suffering from employment injuries.
Mr. O'Malley: I have made inquiries on this matter from the health authorities but I have considered it necessary to make a further approach to them for additional information. If the Deputy would be kind enough to repeat the question in a few weeks time, I should be able to provide the information.
Mr. James Tully: That will be the middle of the summer holidays. Would the Minister say from the inquiries he has made whether or not money has been expended?
Mr. O'Malley: I appreciate that it is most unusual to put the Deputy off a second time, but I think it desirable that I should be fortified by the additional information which I am now seeking—a breakdown of certain figures—in order to answer the Deputy in an adequate manner.
Mr. James Tully: Even if I have to wait until November or September.
The Taoiseach: Early September.
Mr. O'Malley: The trouble about the Deputy's question is that a global amount was given last year for all local authorities for disabled persons' allowances. It amounted to roughly £11,000 and a breakdown for any specific period in relation to persons suffering from employment injuries will be sought.
Mr. James Tully: Does the Minister agree that the inquiries will cost a good lot more than in fact is expended under this heading?
Mr. O'Malley: The context of this question is tied up with social welfare as well.
(Interruptions.)
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