Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2005
213 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the supports available to self-employed workers with families who are on low incomes; if the family income supplement can be availed of in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4138/05]
View answerFamily income supplement was introduced in 1984 with the purpose of providing an incentive to low-paid employees with families to take up or remain in full-time employment in circumstances where they might otherwise be only marginally better off then of claiming another social welfare payment. The scheme does not apply to self-employed people.
Arrangements already exist whereby self-employed people on low income can receive additional payments under the social welfare system. Self-employed people whose income falls below the rate of unemployment assistance, UA, appropriate to their family circumstances are entitled to claim assistance. The rate of assistance payable depends on the person's means. In assessing means, account is taken of the net income, which the applicant may reasonably expect to receive in the next year, and all expenses necessarily incurred by the applicant in carrying out the business are disregarded. Currently almost 1,764 unemployment assistance recipients are categorised as self-employed, receiving an average of €156.72 assistance per week.
The farm assist scheme was introduced in 1999 to provide income support for low-income farmers. At present, a total of 8,350 farmers are in receipt of farm assist, receiving an average weekly payment of €163.27. Any extension of FIS to other categories of persons would have to be considered in a budgetary context. I have no plans for such an extension in present circumstances.
