Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Dan Boyle

Question:

272 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will report on reviews made to assess the impact of the rent supplement rules set out in SI 527 of 2002 on a low-income single person's ability to find adequate and affordable accommodation in Dublin; if a decision by her Department regarding the way in which the rent ceilings to apply in 2004 should be determined has been made; the level at which a higher rent ceiling will apply to single persons in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24544/03]

Dan Boyle

Question:

273 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will report on reviews made to assess the impact of the rent supplement rules set out in SI 527 of 2002 on a low-income single person's ability to find adequate and affordable accommodation in Cork; if a decision by her Department regarding the way in which the rent ceilings to apply in 2004 should be determined has been made; the level at which a higher rent ceiling will apply to single persons in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24545/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.

SI 527 of 2002, which came into effect on 22 November 2002, provided for the continuation until 31 December 2003 of the current levels of maximum rent, as determined by the health boards, in respect of which rent supplement is paid under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Concern was expressed at the time that the new regulations could have an adverse impact on social welfare recipients' ability to secure accommodation in the private rented sector and could lead to people becoming homeless. There has been an increase of more than 6,000 in the number of recipients since the regulations were introduced. This significant increase of more than 11% in the number of rent supplement recipients since last November shows that the anticipated adverse impact did not occur.

I am not aware of any individual being made homeless as a result of the regulations. I am aware of cases where rents were reduced to the prescribed levels and other cases where no increase in rent was sought by the landlord. The privately owned rent index published by the Central Statistics Office shows that rent levels have been falling consistently since April 2002. In light of all of this evidence, I am satisfied that the action taken has not had an adverse effect on the position of social welfare recipients in securing private rented accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason carer's allowance has not been awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24565/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 17 August 1999. The conditions for receipt of carer's allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test which applies is satisfied. Her carer's allowance was awarded from 19 August 1999. Following a review of entitlement, she was disallowed carers allowance with effect from 30 May 2001, as she was not providing full-time care and attention as prescribed in legislation. She was notified of this decision and the reasons for it.

The person subsequently appealed the decision and her case was referred to the social welfare appeals office. The appeals officer upheld the decision and consequently the appeal was not allowed. The person was notified accordingly on 3 April 2002. An appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive and can only be reviewed in the light of new facts or fresh evidence. Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in this regard.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

275 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will consider improving the FIS, having particular regard to increases in the cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24566/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The family income supplement, FIS, is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families and thereby preserve the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. A range of improvements to the family income supplement scheme, including the assessment of FIS on the basis of net rather than gross income and the progressive increases in the income limits, have made it easier for lower income households to qualify under the scheme.

In the 2003 budget I provided for further increases in the FIS income limits with effect from January 2003. These increases raised the weekly income limits by €17 at each point, adding an extra €10.20 to the payments of most existing FIS recipients. The average weekly payment now stands at €59.90 per week, with 12,024 families receiving a supplement under the scheme. The question of further improvements to the income thresholds is a matter for consideration in a budgetary context, having regard to available resources and Government commitments.

Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 77.