Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1987

Vol. 374 No. 5

Written Answers. - Means Testing.

41.

Mr. J. Bruton

asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a British study The Reform of Social Security by Dilnot, Kay and Morris, published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, page 44, estimated that the administrative cost of operating the means test for supplementary benefit was 10 pence for every pound paid out; the calculations, if any, he has done in respect of each of the means tested schemes or income thresholds operated by his Department or by agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

42.

Mr. J. Bruton

asked the Minister for Justice if he, or any body under his aegis, operates means tests or income thresholds for any purpose, for example tax exemption, eligibility for charge or benefit; in respect of such means test or income thresholds (a) the levels at which they operate and the period over which they are assessed; (b) if account is taken of the income of a spouse, and if so, the way in which this has been done; (c) if account is taken of the income of other household members; and if so, the way in which this has been done; (d) if account is taken of the costs of maintaining dependent children or other dependants; (e) if any income for example social welfare payments, or the imputed value of home ownership if ignored or discounted in any way; (f) if the value of property, real or personal, is included and if so, the basis on which it is included; (g) when the levels were last revised in line with inflation; and (h) if there is a distinction in the way the means test operates between a couple who are married and a couple living together but not married.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Collins)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.

The only body under my aegis which operates a means test is the Legal Aid Board. The purpose of that test is to determine an applicant's eligibility for legal services under the scheme of civil legal aid and advice and to assess liability for contributions for such services.

The information sought in Question No. 42 is contained in Part 5 and Schedule B of the scheme, which is available in the Oireachtas Library. In regard to (g) the levels were last increased on 29 May 1986. In regard to (h) the incomes of a married couple are aggregated except where there is a contrary interest in the matter in respect of which the application is made, or where the applicant and his or her spouse are living separate and apart. Some account is taken of the income of a cohabitee of an applicant under paragraph B.I.I. of Schedule B ("income which the applicant may reasonably expect from all sources") but certain anomalies have arisen and the board is examining the matter.

In regard to Question No. 41 no specific calculation has yet been made but the board have stated that the administrative costs involved in the means test are very small.