Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Schemes.

Mary Wallace

Question:

211 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an unemployment assistance claimant and an unemployment assistance dependant receives the same treatment for the back-to-work allowance scheme; if the dependant obtains employment if he will benefit from the back-to-work scheme; if not, the reason therefore; the position of a dependant who was told in June 1996 that the back-to-work allowance did not apply to her in view of the fact that the the unemployment assistance claim was in her husband's name and was told in November 1996 that this had been changed in recent months and that either party qualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3020/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The back-to-work allowance was introduced as part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to encourage the long-term unemployed to return to the active labour force. The scheme has proved to be a very worthwhile initiative with over 16,500 persons currently in receipt of the weekly allowance which provides support over a three year period to those wishing to take up employment and self employment opportunities.

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be signing on the live register for at least 12 months. Spouses of eligible claimants are allowed to participate in the scheme in lieu of the claimant who then becomes a dependant on the spouse's back-to-work allowance and signs off the live register. Such arrangements can be made through the local jobs facilitator. There was no change in this position in 1996. If the Deputy is aware of a particular case where difficulties arose in this regard I will have the details checked and will be in touch with her about it.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

212 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is the policy of his Department to open up the eligibility of the free fuel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3051/97]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

214 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position in relation to the fuel allowance review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3100/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos.212 and 214 together.

The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders who are on long-term social welfare or health board payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. In addition applicants must live alone or only with qualified dependants, a carer, a person in receipt of a short-term unemployment assistance payment or a person who qualifies for a fuel allowance in their own right.

A review of the scheme was recently carried out on behalf of the Department by independent consultants to ensure that the scheme is operating effectively and equitably. A draft of the consultant's report was received a short time ago in the Department and any changes to the eligibility criteria of the scheme will be examined when the consultant's final report has been received. Any recommendations arising from the report with financial implications could only be considered in the light of available resources. It is expected that the final report will be available by the end of February 1997.