asked the Minister for Health the reason a disabled person's maintenance allowance has not yet been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary as he suffers from severe arthritis; when this will be paid; the amount which will be paid; and if it will be granted retrospectively from August of this year as this was when the original application was made.

The person in question was granted a disabled persons maintenance allowance with effect from 11 December, 1986 at a reduced rate of £40 per week. A decision on the payment of arrears will be made in the near future.