Michael Ferris
Ceist:35 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the additional cost involved in extending the free fuel scheme at £8 per week to all urban and rural beneficiaries. [10100/98]
Vol. 490 No. 3
35 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the additional cost involved in extending the free fuel scheme at £8 per week to all urban and rural beneficiaries. [10100/98]
38 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when the figure of £5 per week was established as the free fuel allowance; the increase in the consumer price index since then; and his views on the case for an increase in the amount payable. [10047/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 38 together.
36 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the total sum of money required to facilitate rental subsidy as administered through each health board region in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10038/98]
Detailed information on the total expenditure on rent supplements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme for each health board region is shown on the following tabular statement.
Expenditure on rent supplements has increased substantially over the last few years. This was mainly due to increases in rent levels.
In July 1994, following concern caused by the escalating costs in relation to rent and mortgage interest supplements a review group was established by Government to report on the role of SWA in relation to housing.
The group was comprised of representatives of the Departments of Social, Community and Family Affairs, Health and Children, Environment and Local Government, Finance, health boards and local authorities. The group presented its findings in December 1995.
Following the publication of the housing review group report, an interdepartmental committee was established under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, with representatives from the Departments of Health and Children, Social, Community and Family Affairs and Finance, to examine the implications of transferring the administration of rent and mortgage interest supplements to local authorities. It is expected that the committee will report shortly.
Health Board |
Rent Supp. |
£ Million |
|
Eastern |
38.48 |
Midland |
2.50 |
Mid-Western |
3.53 |
North-Eastern |
3.30 |
North-Western |
1.93 |
South-Eastern |
4.91 |
Southern |
12.88 |
Western |
7.73 |
Total |
75.26 |