Michael Bell
Question:23 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the progress made to date in the promised review of the supplementary welfare allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15306/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my Department's behalf by the Community Welfare Service in the health boards. An interdepartmental working group is currently reviewing the scheme as part of my Department's series of programme evaluations.
The current review is a fundamental appraisal of the scheme aimed primarily at improving customer service and administrative efficiency. All aspects of the scheme are being examined. The review also provides an opportunity to re-focus the scheme, and the health boards' Community Welfare Service of which it is part, to become more effective in tackling poverty and social exclusion.
The first stage of the review is now nearing completion. This involved an examination of the objectives of the scheme and included a widespread consultation process. A total of 145 submissions were received from users of the supplementary welfare allowance service, information providers and other interested parties including the social partners, the health boards who administer the scheme and the trade unions representing community welfare officers.
These submissions are currently being considered and will inform the deliberations of the interdepartmental working group.
A further meeting of the working group is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 13 June. I expect the proposals of the group will be finalised by the end of the year.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 22.