Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will start at the last point first. The means test is something we have discussed on a number of occasions. I am on the same page as Deputy Ó Cuív on this. I think we could make some very small changes that would make a huge difference but before we can make those changes we had to carry out this review. We have over 90 schemes and a significant number are means tested. Each has its own means test. The purpose of the review was to look at the different schemes and to identify any issues around the application of the respective means test. It is complex and detailed work but the review is currently being finalised and will be given to me shortly. Some of the review’s initial findings did inform my thinking in the context of the social welfare package. That is why I once again increased the income disregards for single people on carer’s to €625 per week and couples to €1,250. I was keen to address the issue of the amount disregarded when a recipient of a non-contributory State pension, blind pension or disability allowance sells their home and moves into care. The income disregard is currently €190,500. I am glad that as part of budget 2025 I was able to increase this to €337,500 to reflect the current average cost of a house in Ireland. That will help some people.

Means testing is complex and detailed. It has to be undertaken to accurately estimate the impact from an inflow and cost perspective of any potential changes. We have added material to the review from this committee. I know my officials were in with the committee. I am looking forward to receiving the committee’s report. I hope to have the means test review ready shortly. I will be happy to share it with the committee. It is an important thing. I agree with the Deputy.

I always talk about, as does the Deputy, a situation where there is a qualified adult. There is someone on a pension and they are claiming for the wife or their partner, I should say, on the pension. They put the money into the joint names and then they are means tested. If you keep it in your own name, it is fine but if you put it in joint names, and everyone is encouraging you to do it for inheritance purposes or whatever for when you pass on-----