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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 1986

Vol. 364 No. 2

Written Answers. - Family Income Supplement Scheme.

16.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of applications received for the family income supplement at the year ending 31 December 1985; the total amount paid out since the introduction of the scheme; the number of families in receipt of the family income supplement for the year ending 31 December 1985; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

32.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of families at present receiving the family income supplement; the average payment to each family; and in view of the budgetary changes; the projected figures for those taking up this family income supplement in 1986.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 32 together. The number of families receiving family income supplement at 21 February 1986 was 4,773. The average payment to each family was £7.66 per week. In view of the budgetary changes the number of claims in payment are expected to rise to approximately 6,500 families by the end of 1986.

The number of applications received for the family income supplement at 31 December 1985 was 11,532. The total amount paid out since the introduction of the scheme to 31 December 1985, the latest date for which figures are available, is £2,378,000. The number of families in receipt of the family income supplement at 31 December 1985 was 4,562.

The improvements announced in the budget will result in increases in the supplements being paid to present beneficiaries and will enable families not at present eligible to qualify for supplement. While the numbers participating in the scheme so far have proved disappointing, the Government are showing their continuing intention to provide effective assistance for low-paid working parents with children. It is proposed to advertise the improvements nationally when the necessary legislation has been passed to bring the scheme to the attention of all families for whom the scheme is designed.

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