Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applicants for family income supplement in 2007 who were refused assistance; the number of people who currently receiving FIS; and the average payment. [20214/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. Entitlement to FIS is based on an applicant satisfying a means test and on certification of employment by the employer. Family Income Supplement is paid for 52 weeks provided a person continues to meet the qualifying conditions and a claim for renewal may then be made.

In the period 1 January 2007 to 14th September 2007, decisions were made on 22,179 FIS claims (7,703 new and 14,476 renewals). Of these, 3,099 claims were refused (1,777 new and 1,322 renewals).

There are currently 20,247 customers in receipt of FIS. The average weekly rate of FIS in respect of the week ended 14th September 2007 was €97.45. When payment of arrears of FIS are taken into account, the average weekly payment is increased to €145.