Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who are eligible for family income supplement but who are not availing of the scheme; the number of persons who have availed of the scheme in each year for the past five years; the measures he is taking to increase awareness and take up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19970/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It was not possible to estimate the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for family income supplement (FIS) entitlements.

The department completed a research project in 2008 to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme. This research project included a survey of over 3,000 families which appeared to satisfy conditions for receipt of FIS. From over 1,000 valid responses received the survey identified that 23% might be eligible for this scheme.

The research also found that overall awareness of family income supplement among potential recipients is high with nearly three in four claiming to have heard of the scheme. Despite high levels of awareness, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of the eligibility requirements with only one in three claiming to be aware of the qualifying criteria for FIS.

The report recommends that the department needs to ensure that information about the scheme is advertised in a focused way with the eligibility and qualification criteria communicated as clearly as possible. The department is addressing this by ensuring such information is highlighted as part of its ongoing information strategy.

Numbers in payment at the end of the last 5 years are as follows;

In terms of new FIS claims being received by the Department, 21,173 new FIS claims were received in 2009. This figure compares to 14,400 new FIS claims received in 2008 and 13,423 in 2007 - an increase of almost 58 % on 2007 and 47% on 2008. These figures demonstrate the increasing awareness of the scheme among the public.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of new applications for family income supplement that are awaiting approval; the number of persons reapplying and awaiting approval; the average waiting time for applicants seeking approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19973/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently some 5,427 new family income supplement (FIS) applications and some 3,410 renewal applications awaiting approval.

The average waiting time for both new and renewal FIS applications is currently approximately 10 weeks.