Results 2,781-2,800 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: Improvements in social welfare schemes and services are introduced by way of the Budget. In framing my Budget proposals, I have regard to a wide range of factors. My priority will be to make progress in delivering on the commitments contained in the Agreed Programme for Government, the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. The...
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but to provide assistance towards these costs. A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt...
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, also receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments,...
- Written Answers — Anti-Poverty Strategy: Anti-Poverty Strategy (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: Combating poverty and building an inclusive society are key priorities for the Government. The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) 2007-2016, published in February 2007 and the social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan (NDP) were drawn up in consultation with the social partners and after a wide ranging consultation process with other stakeholders. The...
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: A person who is unemployed may apply for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance. Entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit is determined by reference to an individual's social insurance record. Entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance, which is a social assistance scheme, is based on an individual's weekly means. Increases in respect of a spouse/partner and children are dependent on the...
- Written Answers — Social Insurance: Social Insurance (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The Programme for Government states that 'we will abolish the PRSI ceiling for full rate payers and reduce the rate at which this tax is levied from 4% to 2% over the lifetime of the next administration. We will also reduce the rate of PRSI paid by the self employed to 2% from 3%. These moves will eliminate remaining inequality in the income tax system and enhance its progressive nature. The...
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The One-Parent Family Payment is a payment for men and women who are bringing up a child without the support of a partner. It is a means tested payment with an earnings disregard to allow for the increased costs involved in returning to the workplace. Current arrangements allow for a weekly earnings disregard of â¬146.50, with half of any additional earnings up to a weekly limit of â¬400...
- Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: In the decades ahead, Ireland will face the same challenges in relation to pensions and other age related costs as many of our EU neighbours are facing at present. However, as a country, we are fortunate that our demographic position will remain favourable for sometime yet. This allows us time to review our situation and to decide on an appropriate course of action which will be affordable in...
- Written Answers — Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Money Advice and Budgeting Service (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The MABS National Helpline, Lo-call number 1890 283 438 (1890 BUDGET), was formally launched on 4th October 2007. The Helpline operates Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and it provides an accessible and confidential support service for those experiencing debt problems. Up to 9th November, the National Telephone Helpline has received over 1000 calls. Posters advertising the new telephone...
- Written Answers — Anti-Poverty Strategy: Anti-Poverty Strategy (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: Information on poverty levels, deprivation and social exclusion are provided in the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EUâSILC), which is conducted on an annual basis by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and which commenced in Ireland in 2003. The most recent results are for the year 2005. The results for 2006 are due to be published before the end of this year. In 2005 the...
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together. Expenditure on rent supplement in 2006 was â¬389m. Estimated expenditure for 2007 is â¬392m. The purpose of rent supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their...
- Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: I thank the Members of the Seanad who have already spoken. In particular I thank Senators O'Malley and Cannon for tabling the motion. It is important to have a robust and substantive debate on the issue. Seanad Ãireann is often a place to get leadership on such a debate. Interestingly, some Senators, including Senator Quinn who has left the House, have taken an employers' point of view....
- Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: A Green Paper does not give the answers. It is the purpose of a Green Paper to set out the debate. A White Paper would point the way.
- Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: Then it would not be a Green Paper.
- Leaders' Questions (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: There is the Luas in Dublin.
- Leaders' Questions (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: Hear, hear.
- Leaders' Questions (14 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: That is ahead of schedule.
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (13 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The State pension (non-contributory) is a social assistance scheme and, in common with all other such schemes, features a means test. In assessing eligibility for social assistance payments, the means test is based on household income. This is to ensure that resources committed to social assistance payments are used to provide support and improve the position of those who are most in need....
- Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (13 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables. Table A â position at 1st November 2002 Name Title Salary Scale Mel Cousins Special Adviser Principal Higher Scale Tom Reddy Press Adviser Principal Bridget Byrne Personal Secretary to Minister Mary Coughlan Secretarial Assistant Kathleen Ayres Personal...
- Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (13 Nov 2007)
Martin Cullen: The person concerned recently applied for, and was refused basic supplementary allowance. She appealed the decision to the Executive's designated Appeals Officer who upheld the decision. The case has been sent to the Chief Appeals Officer of my Department who are examining her appeal. The person concerned has an appointment for an oral hearing on 22 November 2007.