Vol. 508 No. 4
83 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the action, if any, he has taken on the findings of a report (details supplied) that persons receiving rent and mortgage interest supplements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme have a serious disincentive to taking up paid employment. [17469/99]
Following on the publication in March of this year of the report prepared by Goodbody economic consultants entitled The Disincentive Effects of Secondary Benefits, and in line with a commitment contained in the Partnership 2000 Agreement, my Department established a consultative group, involving representatives of the social partners and of relevant Government Departments.
This consultative group has been working to develop cost-effective solutions to the unemployment trap arising from the withdrawal of rent and mortgage interest supplements once a person takes up full-time work.
I understand that the work of the group is now well advanced and I expect to receive the group's report within a matter of weeks. It is my intention to consider the group's findings and recommendations in the context of the forthcoming budget.
