Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of deserted wife's benefit payments that have been discontinued for any reason in the course of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39117/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deserted Wife's Benefit scheme was closed to new applicants with effect from 2nd January 1997, when the One Parent Family Payment was introduced.  A total of 6,254 individuals continue to receive Deserted Wife’s Benefit because they qualified for the payment before 2nd January 1997.

In order to continue to qualify for this payment, the claimant must be inadequately maintained by her spouse and must not be in a cohabiting relationship.  Where the claimant is under 40 years of age,  she must have at least one qualified child residing with her.  In respect of claims made after 31st August, 1992, the claimant must not have earnings exceeding €20,000 per annum.  Claimants of Deserted Wife's Benefit may transfer to State pension contributory at age 66 where they satisfy the contribution conditions of that scheme.

While a number of claims are closed each year because the claimant dies, moves to another scheme or advises the Department that they no longer meet the conditions of the scheme, a number of claims are also terminated or discontinued.  The principal reasons for termination/discontinuance of payment relate to co-habitation, earnings in excess of the limit, or absence from the State.  The number of claims that were so terminated/discontinued arising from a review of entitlement in the last five years were

I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.