Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
753 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will extend the home help income exemptions on schemes of the Health Service Executive to those employed privately as home helps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1209/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny extension of the means testing arrangements which apply at the moment in the case of home helps employed by either the HSE or by bodies funded by the HSE to home helps employed on a private basis would have to be considered in a Budgetary context.
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes examined various income disregards which apply in the case of means tested schemes. The Group was of the opinion that all disregards should be reviewed to ensure that the principles of horizontal equity are maintained and that all income irrespective of its source is treated similarly for social welfare purposes. The Group specifically mentioned the current disregards from employment as a home help in this regard.
The recommendation of the Special Group will need to be taken into account in considering any further changes to the treatment of income from employment generally and from employment as a home help in particular.
