I propose to take Questions Nos. 386, 387 and 389 together.
The cost of increasing the family income supplement (FIS) multiplier by 10 percentage points, from 60% to 70%, is estimated at approximately €43 million in a full year (costing is based on the estimated number of weekly recipients in 2014). The data requested by the Deputy in relation to the FIS scheme are outlined in the following table (position as at end-April, 2014).
FIS Scheme
|
Data
|
No. of households receiving FIS
|
44,405
|
No. of children included on FIS claims
|
98,679
|
Average weekly payment value
|
€114.45
|
The cost of increasing the qualified child increase by €5 per week is €97 million in a full year. Accordingly, the cost of increasing this payment by €7.50 per week or €10 per week is €145 million or €193 million, respectively, in a full year.