HSE rapped over rule that mobility allowance applicants must be unable to walk

CRITERIA used by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to decide on eligibility for a mobility allowance have been questioned by the Equality Tribunal.

This follows complaints to the tribunal by a mother who applied for the allowance on behalf of her Down Syndrome daughter and an aunt who applied for the allowance on behalf of her schizophrenic nephew.

Both applicants were turned down on the basis of criteria set out in a 1979 circular from the Department of Health, one of which states that the applicant must be unable to walk.