Vol. 528 No. 1
335 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason the families of taximen (details supplied) in Dublin 22, currently in dispute, are not eligible for supplementary welfare allowance; if he will reconsider this matter noting that these families have been without an income for two weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29652/00]
The main purpose of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is to provide a basic weekly allowance to people who have little or no income. Those eligible for assistance under the SWA scheme have to satisfy a number of criteria, including a means test.
People with low incomes may also qualify for a weekly supplement to meet certain special needs, that is, rent and mortgage interest payments, or a payment to help with the cost of any exceptional needs they may have. The scheme is administered by the health boards and this Department has no function in deciding entitlement in individual cases.
The health board was contacted in the case of the taximan whose details were supplied by the Deputy. The board advised that the person concerned did not qualify for a payment based on the person's income assessment over the last 52 weeks and because the person has access to substantial savings.
The person concerned was informed of the right of appeal to the health board appeals office.
336 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will review the regulations governing the issue of footwear under the clothing and footwear allowance whereby once a child's foot size goes beyond five and a half they are regarded as an adult, in view of the fact there is evidence to suggest that children are now physically bigger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29666/00]
The back to school clothing and footwear – BSCF – allowance scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards. The scheme is designed to assist certain recipients of social welfare and health board payments with the cost of children's school uniforms and footwear. Certain people on low incomes who are in receipt of family income supplement may also qualify for assistance.
Under the scheme an allowance of £63 is payable in respect of qualified children from two to 11 years and an allowance of £78 is payable in respect of qualified children from 12 to 22 years. This represents an increase of £20 on last year's rates.
I am aware of the difficulties faced by low income households when faced with providing clothing and footwear for children at back to school time in September each year. I am also very conscious of the importance of supporting low income families so that their children can participate fully in the education system to the maximum extent possible. In that regard, I have established a working group to undertake a review of the back to school clothing and footwear scheme as part of my Department's series of programme evaluations. The review is examining all aspects of the scheme including the rates of payment as well the income limits, the means test, time of payment, the eligibility criteria and other issues.
I expect to have the working group's report early in the new year.
Question No. 337 withdrawn.
