asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that unemployment assistance of 5 pence per week is being paid in some cases by his Department; and if he will now arrange that a realistic minimum weekly rate of assistance will be paid which would warrant the administrative expenditure of making such payments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.
32.
I am aware that the rate of unemployment assistance payable can, due to the statutory means test applicable, be as low as 5p a week in exceptional cases. The existing arrangements in this regard are designed to achieve full equality of treatment between beneficiaries and under them the appropriate maximum weekly rate of unemployment assistance applicable, due regard being had to the applicant's marital status, number of dependants and area of residence, is reduced by 5p for each 5p or part of 5p of his weekly means as assessed for the purposes of the Unemployment Assistance Acts.
The administrative cost of making small payments has no measurable impact on the cost of administration of the unemployment assistance scheme as a whole. If it had there could be justification for fixing a minimum level of payment. To do so, however, would, in the case of unemployment assistance react against applicants in other ways. Certain other advantages accrue to recipients of unemployment assistance, however low the amount, such as, for example, being given preference for work under State-aided employment schemes and in the circumstances no change in the present arrangements is contemplated.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think that it is ridiculous to expect somebody to cycle twice a week to Kilcullen in order to qualify for 5p payment and a voucher for two pounds of butter which he cannot afford? Is it not expecting too much of any deciding officer to expect him to assess an income from a farm in these days of fluctuating farm incomes as closely as 5p per week? Even an expert like the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries would find it very hard to assess it that closely.
There is no measurable impact on the cost of the administration of the scheme but if you set a minimum rate it could deprive a very limited number of people of other benefits which can accrue. The Deputy mentioned the free butter scheme. That is one of them. I do not accept that the person could not avail of it because of his financial circumstances. If he is assessed so as to receive only 5p per week he must have other means.
Is it not ridiculous? Is the whole situation not ridiculous and one that should be changed?
The present arrangement also ensures that the man will be given credit.
Question No. 33, please.