Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Oct 1987

Vol. 374 No. 5

Written Answers. - Means Testing.

44.

Mr. J. Bruton

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport 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, at 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 tests schemes or income thresholds operated by his Department or by agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

45.

Mr. J. Bruton

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport 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 of other dependants; (e) if any income for example social welfare payments, or the imputed value of home ownership is 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 Tourism and Transport (Mr. Wilson)

With your permission, a Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.

Neither my Department nor any body under its aegis operate any schemes or services which require the measuring of means or income thresholds to establish eligibility for benefit.