Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons on back to work allowance in each of the past three years; the extent to which he will improve the scheme in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28465/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to work allowance scheme, which was introduced in September 1993, is part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to assist long-term unemployed people, lone parents and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. There are two strands to the scheme, namely, the back to work enterprise allowance for self employment and the back to work allowance for employees.
The number of recipients at the end of the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 are shown in the tabular statement following:
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
Self Employed |
15,973 |
13,510 |
9,873 |
|
Employees |
16,218 |
11,566 |
7,197 |
|
Total: |
32,191 |
25,076 |
17,070 |
The allowance was introduced at a time when long-term unemployment stood at 8.9%. In its early years, the scheme proved very effective in helping people who had been long-term unemployed to return to the labour force. However, changes in labour market conditions since the mid-1990s has reduced the need for the scheme. This is illustrated by the drop in numbers availing of it in recent years.
At present there are 12,097 participants in the scheme, compared to 39,343 in October 2000 when the scheme reached its peak. The scheme was reviewed in 2002 in the light of economic and labour market changes and, in particular, the drop in unemployment levels since the introduction of the scheme in 1993. This review also took account of an evaluation of the scheme by independent consultants. They recommended that the scheme should be restructured in light of the changes in the labour market. In particular, the review recommended that the scheme be refocused on the longer-term unemployed, that the non-financial supports be enhanced and that the overall numbers on the scheme be reduced.
In January 2003, therefore, the qualifying period for persons on unemployment benefit or assistance was increased to five years. Recipients of other social welfare qualifying payments were not affected by the change. The scheme is continually monitored to ensure its relevance to current labour market and economic conditions. It was recognised that there was some difficulty being experienced by persons wishing to enter self employment after five years attachment to the live register. Therefore, in budget 2004, the qualifying period for access to the self-employed strand of the scheme was reduced to three years.
From March 2004, persons in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance accessing the self employed strand of the scheme only require three years on their unemployment payment to qualify for participation in the scheme. I will continue to monitor the scheme to ensure that it continues to assist those furthest from the labour market to gain a foothold into sustainable employment or self-employment and will therefore keep the scheme under review.
209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which ophthalmic and dental benefits are readily accessible to those with the required contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28466/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDental and optical benefit is provided to insured workers through panels of dentists and opticians who enter into agreements with my Department to provide treatments under the scheme on a contract basis and at fees specified in the agreements. There are 1,329 dentists on the dental panel and 355 opticians on the optical panel. Under these arrangements and with limited exceptions, treatments are provided to the patients either free of charge or at a reduced fee and the Department pays the balance of the cost directly to the dentist or optician at the agreed rates.
Access to optical and dental benefit is readily available to insured people and their dependent spouses who satisfy the contribution conditions. Both optical and dental panellists can contact my Department using a lo-call service, on behalf of the insured person, and obtain immediate confirmation regarding a person's entitlement to treatment benefits. The panellist can also contact my Department by fax and a reply will be given within 24 hours. If the person has the required contributions, treatment can commence immediately.
Some panellists continue to seek written approval prior to commencing treatment. A written decision issues in these cases within three weeks to the insured person and the panellist. My Department is anxious to develop and improve its communication services to customers and to minimise waiting times wherever possible. In this regard the use of modern technology such as e-mail and Internet services are currently being examined as additional methods of communication. If the Deputy is aware of any particular difficulties, I would be glad to look into them.
