Jim O'Keeffe
Question:30 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he has had any discussion with his ministerial colleagues on a single means test; and if he favours the introduction of same.
Written Answers. - Means Tests.
I am in favour of rationalising as far as possible the various means tests which apply in the social welfare system and in other schemes of State support for people on low incomes. I am not convinced, however, of the desirability or the feasibility of a single means test for all such schemes. The introduction of such an arrangement would also have major financial implications.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and the Programme for Government, the means testing arrangements will be kept under review with a view to simplifying those arrangements as resources permit.