Vol. 456 No. 4
72 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people likely to be in receipt of social welfare pensions in the year 1999; the plans, if any, he has, to meet such demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13994/95]
The number of people in receipt of retirement pensions and old age pensions, contributory and non-contributory at the end of August 1995 is set out in the table below.
Numbers in Receipt
|
Payment Type |
Total |
|
Retirement/Old Age Pension (Contributory) |
134,066 |
|
Old Age Pension (Non-Contributory) |
103,257 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Contributory) |
93,975 |
|
Widow's Pension (Non-Contributory) |
19,139 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
40,327 |
|
Payment Type |
Total |
|
Retirement/Old Age Pension (Contributory) |
175,000 |
|
Old Age Pension (Non-Contributory) |
65,000 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Contributory) |
95,000 |
|
Widow's Pension (Non-Contributory) |
14,000 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
42,000 |
73 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the consideration given to extending the free schemes administered by his Department; the costings which have been assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13995/95]
The free schemes administered by my Department include free travel, a free electricity allowance, a free natural gas allowance, a free telephone rental allowance and a free television licence. They are available, in the case of free travel, to all persons in the State aged 66 years and over and to certain disabled people under age 66 and, in the case of the other schemes, to persons in receipt of a welfare type payment and who are either living alone or who otherwise satisfy the living alone condition.
The free schemes have been improved and extended progressively in recent years. This year, for example, all recipients of the free television licence are being provided with a colour licence, the free travel companion pass has been extended to existing passholders being cared for by a recipient of the carer's allowance, and the free travel scheme has been extended to include cross-Border journeys undertaken by passholders from both sides of the Border. The question of further extending the scope of the free schemes, together with the relevant costs involved, arises for consideration in the context of the budget and in the light of available resources.
74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on whether an increase in the amount of death grant should be included in the next budget in view of the fact that the death grant has not been increased since 1982; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13996/95]
A death grant under the Social Welfare Acts is payable, subject to the satisfaction of certain PRSI contribution conditions, on the death of an insured person or their spouse or child under 18. The amount of the death grant varies with the contribution record and, in the case of children, the age of the child. In addition, where a person dies while in receipt of a social welfare payment, the weekly payment usually continues to be paid to his or her adult dependant for a period of six weeks. Payment may also continue for six weeks after the death of an adult or child dependant.
There is also a funeral grant, which is unconnected with the death grant, payable in certain cases under the occupational injuries benefit scheme. As the Deputy will know the rates of death and funeral grants, in common with all other social welfare rates of payment, are reviewed in the context of the budget each year and this will also be done this year.
75 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself that the recipients of contributory old age pension received a fair increase in their rate of social welfare payments in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13997/95]
As part of the social welfare budget provisions for 1995, a 2.5 per cent increase in all social welfare and health board payments was provided with effect from mid-June. This increase applied to personal rates and adult dependant allowances and is intended to ensure that the income of social welfare recipients will keep pace with the predicted rate of inflation this year.
77 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on a back-to-school allowance application by a person (details supplied) in Galway city. [14025/95]
The back to school clothing and footwear scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the eight regional health boards, is designed to assist recipients of social welfare and health board payments with the cost of children's school uniforms and footwear. People on low incomes in receipt of family income supplements may also qualify for assistance. The scheme operates from 1 June to 30 September every year and applications may be made at any time during this four month period.
