Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 293: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the continuing justification of the benefit and privilege rule for persons under 25 years who are genuinely seeking work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4365/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

For jobseeker's allowance (JA) purposes, the assessment of means for non-householders resident in the parental home has always taken into account the yearly value of any benefit and privilege enjoyed by him or her by virtue of residing with a parent or step-parent. In practice, this is taken to mean the value of free board and lodging to a claimant and such value is ascribed having regard to the level of parental income. The Commission on Social Welfare examined the then operation of the benefit and privilege arrangements and recommended the abolition of the concept of benefit and privilege for those aged 25 years and over. In Budgets 2003 to 2006 inclusive, the assessment of benefit and privilege for JA purposes was progressively abolished for persons in excess of certain ages. In Budget 2006, I was pleased to abolish the assessment of benefit and privilege in all cases where the UA claimant is aged 25 or over, thereby bringing the Commission's recommendation into full effect. The Commission also recommended that the assessment of benefit and privilege be retained for those aged between 18 and 25 years of age, subject to unemployed persons being entitled to a standard minimum payment of JA. In making this recommendation, the Commission was of the view that the recommended minimum payment would give such persons a limited degree of financial independence from parents but would take into account the fact that they reside in the family home and do not face the costs of maintaining an independent home. Currently, in the case of JA claimants aged under 25, the maximum assessment is restricted to 17% of parental income. A minimum of €40 is payable where the claimant qualifies for any amount of JA. Any further change to the current arrangements would have to be considered in a Budgetary context.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 295: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if supplementary welfare payment will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4405/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Community Welfare Officer (CWO) of the Executive has advised that it has received an incomplete application on 1st February 2007 for SWA from the person concerned. The CWO contacted the person concerned on 6th February to arrange a meeting for later in the week to determine his entitlements based on his personal circumstances.