Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:107 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to introduce a standard assessment for social welfare schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Schemes.
I have undertaken a review of the means testing arrangements with a view to simplifying and rationalising them. Progress has been made and I would hope to arrive at a situation as soon as practicable where uniform means test criteria apply to all social assistance schemes administered by my Department.
The differences in the means testing arrangements as between different social welfare schemes arise largely as a result of measures introduced from time to time to meet the special needs of particular categories of claimants. The introduction of a standard means test for all schemes would have major financial and other implications.
The priority in recent years has been to direct available resources as much as possible towards increasing the basic levels of social welfare payments for all claimants, including those with and those without means.