Vol. 490 No. 2
228 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the steps, if any, which have been taken to recognise the double expense for parents of twins; and the further measures, if any, he proposes to introduce in recognition of the financial burden on parents of twins. [9735/98]
The Social Welfare Act, 1998, gave legislative effect to the range of enhancements to the child benefit scheme which were announced in the 1998 budget.
In so far as the position of twins is concerned, the first substantial recognition of the difficulties experienced with multiple births is being granted this year with provision being made for a new payment of 150 per cent of the normal child benefit rate for twins. Provision was also made in the Act for increases in the rate of child benefit of £1.50 for the first two children and £3.00 for all subsequent children, to bring the monthly rates to £31.50 and £42 respectively.
Finally, the grants payable on the birth of three or more children are being increased to bring them into line with the existing arrangements for twins. Where three or more children are born together, a grant of £500 will be payable and where such children reach four and 12 years of age, further grants of £500 will also be payable.
229 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on whether the implementation of the recommendations of the Minimum Wage Commission will impact on the level of social welfare payments; and, if so, the annual costs to his Department in this regard. [9763/98]
The most significant effect of the introduction of a minimum wage, in so far as it affects my Department's areas of responsibility, will be the positive impact it would have on the incentive for unemployed people to make the transition into employment. I do not envisage that a minimum wage should have a direct effect on social welfare payment rates.
The level of social welfare payments is influenced by a range of policy objectives which are reflected in key commitments contained in the Government's programme —"An Action Programme for the Millennium"— and in the Partnership 2000 agreement.
In the Government's programme, for instance, we included a commitment to provide for substantial increases in social welfare payment rates, including increasing the old age pension to £100 per week over a five year period. Partnership 2000 provides, inter alia, for the implementation of the minimum rates recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare before the end of the partnership. The substantial increases provided for in the 1998 budget represent significant steps towards meeting those commitments.
