Mervyn Taylor
Ceist:22 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the number of social welfare recipients who are now in receipt of family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Scheme Statistics.
There are currently some 7,000 persons in receipt of family income supplement, which is an increase of more than 14 per cent over the last two years.
Significant improvements in the income limits of this scheme were announced in this year's budget and will come into effect from July. These limits are being increased by amounts ranging from £15 to £18 which will give an increase of £9 to £11 per week to most current recipients of the scheme. These increases will ensure that, when taken with the changes in personal income tax, the incentive to work is protected and improved for existing recipients of the family income supplement. The improvements in the income limits will also allow additional workers to benefit from the scheme from July.
These increases will cost an additional £1.5 million this year and £3.3 million in a full year bringing total expenditure on the scheme to £13.55 million this year.
The Governemnt are committed to developing the family income supplement scheme as a central income support mechanism for working families on low incomes. I will be keeping the scheme under review to ensure that as many people as possible benefit under the scheme.