Is the Minister aware that whatever guidelines are laid down, in the Eastern Health Board area there appears to be a reluctance to pay this grant rather than an anxiety to be helpful. Could the Minister tell the House why people who were successful applicants one year and whose means have not improved in the meantime find there are great delays in reaching a decision on their eligibility the following year?

As I informed the House, the regulations are laid down. When answering an earlier question, I elaborated on them and the manner in which they are being applied at the moment.