Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

The family income supplement is an important measure to help people on low incomes. This year, we spent an extra €25 million on it. Whereas previously it was paid evenly, we changed the rules so larger amounts went to the larger families. That was a substantial change. Not enough people are aware of the FIS and in view of this I plan a substantial campaign to bring it to the attention of those who need it. A number of suggestions on how we might do that have been made. Given our database we can communicate with large numbers of people, particularly those who are likely to need the FIS. We may do that and we will advertise it on radio and television. I share the Senator's support for the scheme, which makes a significant difference to people on low income. As I mentioned yesterday, a couple with two children under six years of age and on a salary of €20,000 would receive €4,233 on FIS. That helps people move further from unemployment. A family with four children and the same salary would receive €7,900.

Apart from putting the extra €25 million in this year we have weighted FIS in favour of larger families. That is significant although not widely known and I intend to bring it home to more people. In addition to the FIS, families would also receive child benefit and if the children are under six years of age they would also receive the new child care allowance, therefore, quite an amount is available.

On 31 December 2003 there were 12,317 recipients of FIS. In November 2005 there were 16,650. More people are becoming familiar with it but I need to promote the scheme because it is real money for people. We have discussed child dependent allowances. FIS is the bridge that takes people to the workplace and prevents them falling back to unemployment benefits. I share the Senator's enthusiasm and will try to promote it.