Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Means Testing Criteria.

Willie Penrose

Question:

230 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to change the basis whereby the application of means testing criteria to applicants for unemployment assistance who have spouses working which would prevent them qualifying for any unemployment assistance also means that such applicants are precluded from participating in community employment schemes as a result of not qualifying for any unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1511/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Unemployment Assistance is subject to a means test and the earnings of a working spouse must be taken into account in determining entitlement. In assessing the means derived from the income of a working spouse, the first £45 is disregarded as well as travel costs. Where the weekly income of the spouse exceeds £60 no adult dependant increase is payable in respect of that spouse. Depending on the amount of his spouse's income, therefore, a person may not qualify for assistance.

To be eligible to participate in a community employment scheme, an unemployed person must either be over 21 and in receipt of Unemployment Assistance or in receipt of Unemployment Benefit for a minimum of one year. The Community Employment Scheme is confined to what are considered to be the priority categories in terms of need. The question of changes in the criteria for access to the scheme is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise and Employment. I propose to discuss with the Minister ways in which these criteria can be broadened.