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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 Nov 1988

Vol. 384 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

18.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated take-up rate for the family income supplement; and the proposals he has to ensure payment to those who are entitled to same.

The number of recipients of family income supplement at present is approximately 5,200 and the average payment about £18.00 per week. The estimate for 1989 assumes a similar take-up rate. This is a lower rate of take-up than anticipated, despite an intensive publicity campaign.

In keeping with the commitment given in the Programme for National Recovery, a detailed study of the workings of the family income supplement was commissioned. This study is now concluding, a draft report has been prepared and the final report will be available shortly. The question of low take-up and appropriate action to rectify the situation will be considered in the context of this report.

The study indicates that only some 15,000 may be entitled to any payment under the scheme compared with the original estimate of 35,000. I significantly improved the scheme in the 1987 Social Welfare Act which accompanied the budget. It will be further considered in the context of the forthcoming budget.

19.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that officials from his Department are reducing unemployment assistance payments by as much as £150 per annum in cases where the recipients are reputed to be cutting their own turf; and if it is proposed to make any alterations in this procedure.

In accordance with the provisions of the legislation governing the assessment of means for unemployment assistance purposes, where a claimant cuts his own turf, the value of the turf harvested, whether for home consumption or for sale, must be assessed as means.

In practice, it is mainly smallholders who cut their own turf. Income from farming for unemployment assistance purposes is assessed under section 146 (1) (c) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981 as the yearly advantage accruing from the farm. The calculation is done on an income and expenditure basis and represents the income from farming less the expenses necessarily incurred in earning that income. In determining the income from farming, account is taken of the value of any produce used for domestic consumption, including the value of free fuel available to the applicant. In such cases, allowance is made for the costs incurred in harvesting the turf.

Where an applicant for unemployment assistance who is not a landholder has access to free fuel, the value of that fuel is taken into account in accordance with section 146 (1) (e) of the 1981 Act which provides that any benefit or privilege enjoyed by an applicant or his spouse is assessable as means.

The purpose of the means assessment is to ensure that all applicants are treated in an equitable manner having regard to their situation. Access to one's own source of fuel is an advantage which other applicants do not enjoy and I think it is reasonable, therefore, that the legislation should provide for that advantage to be taken into account. I have no proposals at present to change this position which has operated for well over 50 years.

21.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason there is a reduction in the unemployment assistance allowance for parents who have children in full-time education with no source of income and aged 18 years or over; the reason these parents are denied free fuel vouchers; and if there is any provision in the 1988 and 1989 Estimates to have these benefits restored to people in these circumstances.

At present, increases in social welfare payments are generally payable in respect of child dependants up to the age of 18 years. However, special arrangements apply in the case of widows, deserted wives, prisoners' wives and unmarried mothers, who are receiving a social welfare pension or allowance. In such cases increases are awarded in respect of children up to the age of 21 years provided that they are in full-time education at either second or third level. This extension of the age limit was introduced in recognition of the special needs of these families.

Persons in receipt of long-term unemployment can qualify for a fuel allowance under the national fuel scheme provided they are living alone or with a qualified dependant.

Children aged 18 years or over are not qualified dependants for unemployment assistance purposes in that a child dependant allowance is not payable in their case. A fuel allowance cannot therefore be paid in this situation.

The question of extending the age limit for entitlement to child dependant increases would have major cost implications. Any such extension would have to be considered in a budgetary context.

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