John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

61. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the drop in supplementary welfare allowance scheme payments being issued from community welfare offices in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment and/or a weekly/monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, including rent, as well as single exceptional needs payments (ENPs) and urgent needs payments (UNPs). Some €378 million has been provided for the SWA scheme in 2017 including €31.5 million for ENPs & UNPs. The SWA schemes are subject to a means test and are demand led. The reductions in numbers receiving support under SWA can be attributed to the overall improvement in the economy, improvements in administration and policy changes in recent years. The numbers on the Live Register have dropped significantly from a peak of almost 450,000 in 2011 to a current figure of some 280,000 - a drop of almost 38%. For example, to focus on ENPs, expenditure has been stabilising in recent years at between €30 million and €32 million with some 100,000 ENPs made in 2016.

The ENP guidelines issued to staff in 2012 and 2013 have contributed to more streamlined and consistent approaches being taken to applications across the country. The guidelines do not affect the statutory discretion available to officers administering the scheme in issuing an ENP to assist an individual or household in any particular hardship situation which may arise. Separately, my Department is leading on the provision of extra supports for vulnerable people in the development of the Personal Micro Credit (PMS) scheme which aims to move people to legitimate, low cost, locally available alternative access to credit. To date, 95 Credit Unions, representing 180 credit union locations, have signed up as participants of the scheme.

I can assure the Deputy that the SWA scheme is kept under review to ensure that the CWS continues to support those most in need of assistance.