Bernard Allen
Ceist:12 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he proposes to introduce a uniform means test system based on take home pay or on net disposable income for all social welfare benefit and assistance schemes.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Means Test System.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:45 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce a single means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 45 together.
The means test criteria are broadly similar for all schemes although there are variations in the manner in which some of the components, principally capital and income from earnings, are assessed. For example, the rules of means assessment in the case of widows, lone parents and elderly people are generally more favourable than those for other schemes.
The application of a single means test for all social welfare schemes would have significant costs to the Exchequer, particularly if we were to ensure, as I believe we must, that no existing recipient suffered a reduction in payment as a result. Similar consideration would apply in relation to changing from a gross to a net income basis of assessment.
For those who are most in need, namely those with very low or no means other than social welfare, the distinction between gross and net income is not material.
The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to simplify the administrative requirements of the social welfare system and to remove anomalies. The administrative procedures for means-testing are kept under constant review. Increasingly desk interviewing is being used where possible to establish means and thus reduce the time taken to put claims into payment. The broader process of review of the social welfare system, including the means test, is an ongoing one. I would like to bring about greater standardisation in the means test arrangements generally and I will be examining the scope for such standardisation within the limits of the available resources.
I welcome the Minister's commitment to ensuring standardisation of the system. Would the Minister not agree that the present system is complex, confusing and at times very degrading? I ask her to ensure that the system is both equitable and consistent. Is the Minister's Department in contact with the health boards which distribute money from her Department? In many cases there is inconsistency between the health boards and I can give examples of this to the Minister later.
I think Deputies on all sides of the House recognise that the Department is faced with the task of standardising the system of means testing to the greatest extent possible as resources permit. The Department is in constant contact with the health boards in regard to the operation of various schemes administered by them, the budgets for which are supplied by the Department. Like the Deputy, I am aware that a number of people who have made claims and who have dealings with the health boards have pointed out improvements which they believe could be made in the present system. I think both the Minister and I are on record as saying that we favour a system where people will be able to make claims under what is, effectively, a one-stop shop system where information will be available.
With regard to improvements in the system, improvements in computerisation are under way in the Department at present. There is also the general question of the provision of additional budgetary resources.
That disposes of questions for today.