Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 2

Written Answers. - Household Budgeting Scheme.

Liz McManus

Question:

73 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the limited nature of the household budget scheme, he will give details of when the scheme will be extended to all unemployed people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The household budgeting scheme is operated by An Post on behalf of the Department of Social Welfare. I am anxious to extend the household budgeting scheme to as wide a group of social welfare customers as possible. At present the scheme is available in the greater Dublin area and in Counties Kilkenny and Waterford and some 1,600 people are having deductions made under the scheme. Additional counties will have the facility available within the next two months.

In addition to extending household budgeting on a geographic basis, I have asked that the question of extending it to other social welfare groups such as lone parents be examined by An Post in conjunction with officials of my Department. However, because other groups are paid by order books, changes to existing computer systems are required. Assuming that it is feasible, plans will be put in place to extend the household budgeting scheme to other social welfare clients.