Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will confirm that the introduction of the pension payment scheme by the Minister for Finance will apply as a deduction from income when calculating the eligibility of a family for family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5734/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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.

FIS is calculated on the basis of 60% of the difference between the income limit for the family size and the net income of the person(s) raising the child(ren). The combined income of a couple (married or unmarried) is taken into account. Net income for FIS purposes comprises total family income less tax, employee PRSI, health contribution, income levy, and superannuation contributions.

The issue of how the proposed deduction from the remuneration of public servants will be treated for FIS purposes will be addressed in the context of forthcoming legislation to be presented by the Minister for Finance.