asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether it is proposed to raise the maximum rate of unemployment assistance in respect of families of five or more above the present level of 38s. per week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.
I assume the Deputy has in mind the limitation to two of the number of dependent children of whom account is now taken in determining rates of unemployment assistance. Section 97 of the Social Welfare Act, 1952, fixes the rate of 38/- per week as the maximum payable to a person resident in an urban area who has an adult dependent and two or more child dependents. The present rates can be altered only by amending legislation which I do not propose to introduce.