Last year over €700 million was paid to over 110,000 people in Supplementary Welfare Allowances (SWA) to assist people in need with rent, mortgage, heat, travel and urgent needs, it was revealed today
Minister for Social Affairs, Seamus Brennan, has announced that the 30-year-old system, which acts as a "safety net" for those on low income or with temporary financial problems, is to be reformed following a comprehensive review.
Mr Brennan launched a 320-page report which found that while the SWA had ensured that every person in the State had a minimum level of income to meet their day-to-day needs it was now playing a more extensive role than orignally intended.
"Our population is growing steadily; immigration has replaced emigration and a whole range of new social issues, pressures and needs have emerged," said Mr Brennan.
"This report, which I welcome, now lays out the roadmap for the reforming of the operation of the system to ensure that it delivers a co-ordinated, targeted and flexible service best shaped to meet the needs of Ireland in the 21st century."
The report recommended a more streamlined delivery of income support through the social welfare system supported by active case management for those coming within the system.
It advised social assistance payments should be integrated into a unified system of income support to be delivered at local social welfare offices.
It recommended the Rental Accommodation Scheme be enhanced by early referral to local authorities of tenants with apparent long-term housing needs.
The scheme is delivered by some 700 Community Welfare Offices from more than 1,000 locations around the country.
From 2001 to 2005 the number of people in receipt of rent supplement grew from 42,700 to 60,000.