Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Joe Walsh

Ceist:

72 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to bring the current rates of social welfare up to the main rates recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18369/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

In 1985, the Commission on Social Welfare made a number of alternative estimates of the minimum income required for one adult which they termed the "Main Rate". All of the estimates were in the range of £50 to £60 weekly in 1985 terms, equivalent to between £66.60 and £79.90 in 1995 terms.

The current rates of payment for old age contributory pension and retirement pension have reached the lower end of the main rate range, as updated to 1995 values.

The rates of payment for other social-welfare entitlements are currently between 91 per cent and 99 per cent of the lower end of the main rate range. The question of making further progress towards implementing the main rate for these social welfare entitlements will be considered in the light of the resources available and in the context of the commitment in the programmeA Government of Renewal to maintain and develop the social insurance system.

I consider that the basic rates of social welfare entitlements need to be greatly improved and that considerable progress still remains to be made in this area.

The programmeA Government of Renewal also includes a commitment to commission the Economic and Social Research Institute to review the minimum adequate income rates recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare, with a view to recommending new rates in the light of improvements in social welfare and other changes since the report of the commission was published, and taking into account changes agreed in the programme.

The review will be completed by mid 1996 and, along with other reviews of the social welfare systems, such as that of the expert working group on the integration of tax and social welfare, will form the basis for the formulation of proposals for improvements in the social welfare system in the years ahead.

Joe Walsh

Ceist:

73 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to extend the special rate of child benefit for multiple births to include twins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18371/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Child benefit is payable at double the normal rate in respect of each child, where three or more children are born together. A special once-off grant of £400 is also payable where four or more children are born together, £300 on the birth of triplets and £200 in respect of twins. These arrangements are designed to give recognition to the special nature of such births and the additional costs associated with them.

The Government is committed to improving the child benefit scheme as demonstrated by the significant improvements in the 1995 budget. This year, the monthly rates of payment were increased from £20 to £27 for each of the first two children and from £25 to £32 for the third and subsequent children. The benefit was also extended to include eighteen years olds who are in full-time education or are physically or mentally handicapped.

The cost of paying double rates of child benefit in respect of twins would be £8 million in a full year and could only be considered in light of available resources and the competing demands for such resources.