Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 22: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the impact, in view of significant increases in the live register during the first quarter of 2008 and projected increases over the remainder of 2008, such increases will have on the Exchequer in terms of increased social welfare payments and reduced income tax receipts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15593/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The 2008 expenditure allocation for the Exchequer social welfare Jobseekers Allowance scheme is almost €1,020 million. I am aware of the recent upward pressure on the Live Register and this will, depending on developments over the remainder of the year, have implications for expenditure on this scheme. However, Jobseekers Allowance is only one of a number of demand led schemes that are funded from the Vote of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The expenditure trend on the Jobseekers Allowance scheme will be closely monitored during the course of the year, but it is still too early to say that such pressure will pose significant difficulties for the Social and Family Affairs Vote as a whole. Expenditure on the Jobseekers Benefit scheme is met from the Social Insurance Fund and does not fall on the Exchequer.

Regarding income tax receipts, at the end of the first quarter income tax receipts were up 5% compared to the same period last year. Despite the Live Register pressure, this is a welcome indicator of the resilience of the Irish economy and my Department will continue to closely monitor overall tax performance over the coming months as a clearer trend emerges.