Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 86: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 53 and 93 of 14 December 2006, regarding a research project into the low take up rates of the family income supplement, if the tendering process has been completed and research project begun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/07]

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

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides income support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. There are currently 21,971 people in receipt of FIS. In Budget 2007, I have continued the re-focusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families.

The reasons for the perceived lack of take-up of FIS have been the subject of significant Parliamentary and other enquiry. In response, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign in March 2006 to promote and encourage increased take up of the scheme for working families on low incomes. This extensive week-long campaign included advertising on TV, on national and local radio and in the national and regional press. A nation-wide poster campaign was also undertaken. As a result, the take up of FIS was substantially improved.

The second element to address FIS take up issues is the proposed commissioning of a specific research project to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme.

Tenders to undertake this work have been received by my Department and these are being evaluated. I expect this process to be concluded shortly and the project to commence in the next few weeks.