Richard Bruton
Question:148 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the income support entitlement that applies to persons in institutions such as one (details supplied) in Dublin 20. [27019/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Responsibility for income support arrangements in the institution mentioned by the Deputy rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, requested the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
The Deputy may be aware that under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, a commitment was given that the health board chief executive officers would examine the operation of the medical card scheme in consultation with the social partners with particular emphasis being placed on the needs of families with children, and on removing anomalies and barriers to take-up, including information deficits. This review has been completed recently and I understand that the chief executive officers will present a report of their findings to my Department shortly. This report will be considered as part of the existing examination of the issue of eligibility that is tak ing place in the context of the new health strategy that is currently being prepared in my Department.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:149 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he intends to abolish the free schemes and replace them with a household benefit as recently reported in the media; and if his attention has been drawn to concerns that poorer families may lose out through such a development. [27067/01]
The free schemes, including the free electricity-gas allowance, free telephone rental allowance and free television licence schemes, are generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who fulfil a means test. They are also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the free schemes retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.
Proposals are being considered in relation to a household benefit involving standardising the qualifying conditions and basis of assessment for the free schemes, particularly those relating to the free telephone and the free electricity scheme, so that people who qualify will receive the full package of schemes. It is not intended to replace the schemes with a single cash payment as suggested in recent media reports.
Any changes to the current arrangements for the free schemes could only be considered in a budgetary context.