asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the increased finance under Vote No. 41 (N) in the 1990 Estimates; the number of applications; and the amount paid.
Written Answers. - Increased Estimates Allocation.
95.
Subhead M of the Vote for Social Welfare refers to the family income supplement scheme. Significant improvements have been made in this scheme over the past two years and these are reflected in the increased financial provision which has been made for the scheme. The 1989 allocation of £6.1 million represents a 20 per cent increase in expenditure on the scheme as compared with 1988. The allocation of £7.5 million for 1990, representing approximately a further 20 per cent increase, includes provision for the full year effect of the major improvements to the scheme introduced in July 1989. It is anticipated that there will be an increased number of applications in 1990 following the advertising campaign which has been undertaken recently.