Denis Naughten
Ceist:13. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to promote the uptake of family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10336/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 March 2014
Ceisteanna (13)
Freagraí scríofa
Family income supplement (FIS) is an employee incentive scheme for low income working families, including one-parent families, aimed at supporting them through supplementing their income while they remain in work. There has been a steady growth in the number of families supported by FIS over recent years and associated expenditure as set in the table appended to this reply.
Expenditure on the FIS scheme is estimated to be €281.7 million in 2014, up €20 million on 2013. The processing of applications for the FIS scheme is now totally up to date and delivering a fast and efficient service to lower-income working families. The backlog in claim processing was reduced substantially in 2013 from nearly 11,000 at the start of the year to just over 2,500 at the end of the year. All first-time claims and renewals are now processed promptly on receipt.
The Department avails of every opportunity in its engagement with employers and jobseekers to build awareness of the availability of FIS and how this payment may benefit potential employees with children. The increasing numbers of families in receipt of FIS is testament to the effectiveness of the Department's information strategy for the scheme and the significant improvements in customer service and processing times for FIS customers.
The Departments web site www.welfare.ie has full information on the FIS scheme and provides typical family scenarios to aid understanding and provide comparisons. This information is also available in all the Department local offices, CICs and information offices. The Department is embarking shortly on a poster campaign in all of its local offices to further promote FIS.
A series of road-shows have also been held around the country designed to inform employers about the wide range of employment support services provided by the Department, including FIS.
In addition, the Department launched a Benefit of Work ready reckoner in December last year. The ready reckoner gives an indication of the difference between a person’s potential in-work payment, including FIS, and current out-of-work payments.
In conclusion, I am satisfied that the FIS scheme is fulfilling its role in assisting employees to take up employment opportunities and to remain at work.
|
Year |
Number in payment (approx.) |
Expenditure (€ Millions) |
|
2011 |
28,875 |
204.5 |
|
2012 |
32,310 |
223.6 |
|
2013 |
44,160 |
261.5 (provisional) |