asked the Minister for Education if her 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, she has done in respect of each of the means tested schemes or income thresholds operated by her Department or by agencies under her aegis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Means Testing.
110.
My attention has not previously been drawn to the study referred to. My Department have carried out no calculations of the type the Deputy has in mind.
111.
asked the Minister for Education if she, or any body under her 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 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.
Means tests are operated for schemes of (i) higher education grants, (ii) grants and loans for students in colleges of education, and (iii) vocational education scholarships. I have arranged to make copies of specimen schemes available in the Oireachtas Library. These show the method of assessment used in determining eligibility on grounds of means for their award. Income eligibility limits for grant and scholarship purposes were increased in line with inflation in the 1987 schemes.