Vol. 528 No. 2
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to applicants for various social welfare payments by the application of new qualification tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30058/00]
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has satisfied himself that, with regard to all applications for payments made by his Department with particular reference to new regulations appertaining to means tests, the applicant's civil liberties and due process are observed at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30059/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
I understand the Deputy is concerned about the assessment of maintenance payments where they are made on behalf of a claimant for one-parent family payment. Prior to 1997 the legislation provided that maintenance payments made by a liable relative in respect of the claimant, but not in respect of the children, were assessable as means. However, section 17 of the Social Welfare Act, 1996, which came into operation in January 1997, provided that all maintenance payments by a liable relative, including payments in respect of children, are assessable; provision was also made to disregard contributions by way of payment of mortgage or rent not exceeding £3,900 per annum.
No new regulations have been introduced in this regard during my period in office. I am not aware therefore of any new qualification tests that have introduced hardship, as inferred by the Deputy. I am open to having any such case examined if he would bring the specific circumstances to my attention.
My reply to another question from the Deputy today detailed the steps that my Department takes to ensure that fair procedures are followed whenever the question of reduction or withdrawal of an entitlement due to a change of circumstances arises.
