Results 3,161-3,180 of 4,893 for speaker:Séamus Brennan

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I am just putting that point to the Deputy — I do not think one would be doing them any favours by providing a carer's allowance for 16 year olds. It is something we will probably not agree on, however. With regard to the Deputy's first question, it is Government policy to try to keep people in their own communities and in their own homes. That is why, as I stated, carer's allowance,...

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I know the Deputy is passionate about this matter.

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I have acknowledged the Deputy's passion for removing the means test for carers.

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I understand the Deputy's position. It is almost a role reversal because normally the Labour Party argues for a means test so that we can focus on poverty and helping those who need support.

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: Normally, that is the position of the Labour Party, so I am a bit surprised——

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: ——the Deputy is arguing for the removal of a means test, which means people with very good means——

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: ——would be in receipt of State money.

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: Yes, but he does not need a carer's allowance as well.

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: The Deputy is asking for the cost using the means test, which is in the region of €150 million. I am open to suggestions but, at the moment, I am not in favour of paying carer's allowance to 14, 15 and 16 year olds.

Social Welfare Benefits. (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: They should be at school. Deputy Crowe has raised a specific case and there is a respite care grant in existence to give carers time off. However, if an emergency arises I can see that arranging such cover in time could be a problem and one may be at the mercy of neighbours. All Deputies have the figures relating to this issue as they have been given to the House on many occasions. At...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: Some 600,000 customers are in receipt of the Free Travel scheme, of which 450,000 are aged over 66 years. Some 127,000 are in receipt of an invalidity/disability payment and a further 26,000 are carers. The estimated cost of the scheme for 2006 is €58 million. The peak time access restrictions (introduced 40 years ago) had applied on all Dublin Bus services and on Bus Éireann city...

Written Answers — : (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: A person who is in receipt of a social welfare payment may claim an increase in respect of a dependent spouse or partner. This increase, known as the Qualified Adult Allowance (QAA), is normally paid as a single amount with the primary payment to the claimant. Provision has existed for many years to split the payment and pay the spouse or partner separately in cases of difficult family...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: The Pensions Act 1990 contains a number of provisions relating to the payment of contributions deducted from pension scheme members. Under the Act, employers who deduct pension contributions are required to remit those contributions to the scheme trustees within 21 days following the month in which the deduction was made. Employers are also required to provide employees with regular...

Written Answers — Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Money Advice and Budgeting Service (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 121, 123, 157, 164 and 171 together. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provides assistance to people who are overindebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 52 independent companies nation-wide operating the service with a budget of over €16 million in 2006. Many voluntary and statutory bodies such as the...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Information: Social Welfare Information (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I am very conscious of the increasing number of social welfare customers requiring access to services for whom English is not their first language or where their English is not of a high standard. Every effort is made by my Department to facilitate these customers by providing relevant information in a number of languages on the Department's website and by arranging an interpretation service...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 100, 128 and 136 together. My Department provides income support to working families in low-income employment in various ways, including earnings disregards and tapered withdrawal of earnings on social assistance (means tested) payments. However, the principal income support from my Department which is targeted specifically for low-income families in...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: The provision of occupational pensions in this country is on a voluntary basis and depends on the willingness of employers to contribute to, and maintain schemes for their employees. Traditionally, such schemes were organised on a defined benefit basis. However, in recent years defined benefit provision has been under pressure because of volatility in the stock markets, increasing liabilities...

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 161 together. The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, currently operated by 36 local authorities. My Department funds the food costs jointly with these local...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme (BSCFA) operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year and is administered on behalf of my Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Applications for the allowance may be made between the beginning of June and the end of September each year. While the closing date for...

Written Answers — Poverty Levels: Poverty Levels (14 Nov 2006)

Séamus Brennan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 131 and 167 together. My Department through its various social insurance and assistance schemes provides income supports to people to meet their basic living needs, including food, clothing, heat and light. Supplements are also payable in certain circumstances for specific needs, for example fuel allowances, rent supplements, living alone allowance for...