85. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the review of means testing in the social protection system will be completed this quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66609/26]

My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system.

The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests.  With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.

It is my intention that the review's findings will inform decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets.

The review is currently with senior management of the Department for review and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly.

Due to the complexity of the review, I will carefully and thoroughly evaluate it to determine the best way to utilise its findings and identify those that may warrant further consideration.

However, any prospective changes to means-testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the overall policy and budgetary context.