Conor Lenihan
Question:312 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his plans to abolish the means test for the carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30459/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
In Budget 2001, I made provision for a substantial increase from April 2001 in the weekly income disregards in the carer's allowance means test from £75 to £125 for a single person and from £150 to £250 for a couple. The effect of this increase ensures that a couple with two children, earning a joint income in the region of £15,100 qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance while a couple in receipt of £26,000 qualifies for the minimum carer's allowance, plus the free schemes and respite care grant.
This means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes and the measures that I have introduced further enhance the qualification for this scheme. The question of further improvements to the carer's allowance and for carers generally will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget, taking account of our key priorities in the care area, as set out in the review of our action programme and the health strategy. This strategy proposes the reform of the operation of existing schemes, including the carer's allowance, in order to introduce an integrated care subvention scheme which maximises support for home care. The Department of Health and Children will begin work shortly with my Department to develop detailed proposals for the new scheme with a view to introduction as soon as possible.
Michael Ring
Question:313 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will not receive a Christmas bonus on her payment; and if the persons case can be reconsidered. [30462/01]
The person concerned was in receipt of long-term unemployment assistance prior to commencing a FÁS scheme on 12 December 1999. The scheme ended on 23 November 2001. When the person concerned recently contacted her social welfare local office to apply for an unemployment payment she was informed of her option to apply for long-term unemployment assistance, which carries an entitlement to the Christmas bonus or unemployment benefit. The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 26 November 2001, in the knowledge that this payment does not carry an entitlement to the Christmas bonus. If she wishes to apply for unemployment assistance, she may do so. Unemployment assistance is subject to a means test and her entitlement would depend on the level of means assessed.
Brian Hayes
Question:314 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on a scheme which would make available at a reduced price to pensioners and those receiving social welfare payments, long lasting light bulbs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30486/01]
Gay Mitchell
Question:317 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his plans to provide assistance to senior citizens with the cost of cable television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30526/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 317 together.
The free schemes as currently constituted provide a basic package of necessary benefits in the area of travel, electricity and telephone that ensure a limited standard of comfort or well-being to a particular targeted group. It is not within the scope of my Department to provide for all socially desirable items of expenditure. A review of the free schemes recommended that no further goods and services be covered by the schemes, unless their social benefit is clearly over and above that which can be purchased by increased income.
With regard the issue of cable television, the Deputy might be interested to note that many private companies extend concessions to pensioners in order to increase their business usage, as part of their social aims and as recognition of the value they have received from their customers over the years. In this regard, following previous requests for concessions on the cost of cable television, my officials wrote to the cable company concerned bringing the demands for such concessions to their attention.