Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in the payment of the family income supplement to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 1; when same will be awarded; and the arrears due. [36446/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide income support for employees on low earnings with children and thereby preserve the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if s/he were claiming other Social Welfare payments.

My Department undertook an extensive national media advertising campaign regarding the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme last March. The campaign has resulted in a significant increase in claim volumes that has contributed to some delays in the processing of claims. My Department received an application for Family Income Supplement from the person concerned on 29 June 2006.

It was necessary for his entitlement to FIS to be referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. Unfortunately the need for referral of the matter to the Inspector for investigation was inadvertently delayed until 29 September last. Any decision will be made with effect from the date of application. These investigations are now being concluded. The application will be decided and a decision communicated to the person concerned within the next two weeks.