asked the Minister for Health if he will inquire into the circumstances of a refusal by the Southern Health Board to pay disabled person's maintenance allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will arrange an independent examination as it is the cause of grave public concern in the locality.

Payment of disabled person's maintenance allowance in any individual case is a matter for the health board concerned. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer, Southern Health Board, with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.