Social Welfare Code.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 March 2010

Thursday, 11 March 2010

Ceisteanna (152, 153)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

151 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is the case that a person who has paid the health levy for the initial part of the year is entitled to a refund of the health levy if later in the year they become entitled to a medical card; if the same applies to other exemption categories such as those in receipt of widow or widower’s pension, deserted wife’s pension, one-parent family payment and so on; and if the same applies to a person who was paying the health levy in the initial part of the year when they were aged 69 years when they turn 70 years later that year. [12164/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

152 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is paying the full adult rate of social welfare payments where a young person has expressed interest in undertaking training or education but no place is available; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12046/10]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

Receiving the full adult rate of a jobseekers payment at a young age, without a strong financial incentive to engage in education or training, can lead to welfare dependency. In order to incentivise young jobseekers to avail of education and training opportunities, so that they can avoid becoming welfare dependent from a young age, changes have been made to the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme. Currently, for new entrants, the rate of Jobseeker's Allowance is now €100 per week for 18-21 year olds and €150 per week for those aged 22-24, inclusive, who are not in training or education. In tandem with these changes, my colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Education and Science have significantly enhanced the provision of education and training opportunities.