Tony Gregory
Question:269 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position of workers in Irish Ferries who will be laid off temporarily in relation to their subsidies for mortgages, pension and VHI contributions. [18514/96]
Written Answers. - Irish Ferries Workers.
Under the SWA scheme, a supplement may be paid in respect of mortgage interest to people in receipt of social welfare or health board payments. Entitlement to a supplement is determined by the health boards who administer the scheme, and supplements are normally calculated to ensure that the person, after payment of rent or mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to the family circumstances — equivalent to short-term unemployment assistance — less a nominal sum of £6. This £6 represents the minimum contribution which applicants are required to pay from their own resources towards their accommodation costs. Each applicant is assessed on an individual basis and not on the basis of their former employment. There is no specific provision under social welfare legislation to provide assistance towards the cost of private medical insurance or pension contributions.