Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:109 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to progress the introduction of a unified means test. [1811/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 January 2010
Ceisteanna (57)
Freagraí scríofa
The Department administers a number of social assistance schemes to meet the income support needs of certain people. The associated means tests are designed to reflect the particular circumstances of these individuals and their families as well as the different life cycle stages. Over the years, various developments in means testing have led to the system becoming complex and difficult for the individual to comprehend. The Department would wish to move to a simpler more unified approach to means testing, especially for those of working age.
As a separate but related exercise, the Department is currently examining the feasibility of introducing a single social assistance payment for people of working age. The review will examine the rules and conditions, including the means testing rules, that currently apply and the various supports available to people of working age with a view to ascertaining how these could be rationalised in the context of a single payment to meet the objective of supporting people back to work, education and/or training and other development opportunities, as appropriate. It is expected that the feasibility report will be finalised by early 2010.
An inter-departmental working group was established in March 2009, on foot of a recommendation in the Task Force Report Transforming Public Services, to undertake a detailed study on the feasibility and value of introducing mechanisms to simplify the provision of means information to all public bodies. This working group is chaired by a senior official of this Department. While the group is not examining a proposal for a unified means test, its work will include consideration of all possibilities in relation to simplifying and achieving other efficiencies across all public bodies with regard to means testing arrangements. The work of the group is progressing well.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 91.