Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Means Test Formula.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

330 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, (a) a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has been assessed with means of £25 derived from board and lodgings provided to him by his brother, finds himself with no alternative but to seek separate private rented accommodation because he cannot afford to remain at his brother's residence on the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him at present and (b) on living alone he will become entitled to unemployment assistance at the full rate plus a rent subsidy from the health board at a considerably increased cost to the State; his views on whether his Department's present means test formula is cost effective in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

The person concerned went to live with his brother and claimed unemployment assistance on 30 October 1991. His means on investigation exceeded the maximum limit for receipt of a qualification certificate and he was consequently not entitled to assistance.

On appeal his means were reduced to £25 per week and this left him entitled to a weekly payment of £25 being the maximum short term rate of £50 less the means assessed against him.

His means are derived from the value of free board and lodging provided to him by his brother. The assessment is calculated by reference to the net yearly income from his brother's farm.

In determining the means of any applicant for unemployment assistance deciding officers and appeal officers are legally obliged to take account of the actual circumstances of the applicant, where she/he is currently living, and any benefit or privileges enjoyed by him or her etc. Should the person concerned in this case change his place of residence it is open to him to apply for a review of his means.

The matter of the cost effectiveness of the benefit and privilege provisions is being kept under review in my Department.

Having regard to the special circumstances of this case I am arranging for a further review of the means of the person concerned.