asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons in receipt of pay-related benefit; and the average amount payable in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pay-Related Benefit.
20.
The number of persons in receipt of pay-related benefit in the week ended 28th November, 1975, the latest period for which figures are available, was 33,748. The average payment per person was £6.57.
21.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to extend the pay-related benefit scheme; and, if so, when and for what period.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 26th November, 1975, to a question by Deputy Cronin on this subject.
That answer is totally unsatisfactory. Having put down a question I am merely referred to a reply given to another Deputy. Can the Minister say what was the nature of that reply?
On November 26, as reported at column 175 of the Official Report the Parliamentary Secretary told Deputy Cronin that:
The duration of pay-related benefit was extended on 4th September last to a maximum of 12 months, which is the same as for flat-rate unemployment benefit. The operation of the pay-related benefit scheme which, as the Deputy is aware, is a relatively new one, is being kept under review.
For how long more is the pay-related benefit scheme to continue?
There is a maximum of 12 months in respect of those already in receipt of that benefit, and the term for new entrants will be the same.
When the 12 months have expired is it the intention to extend the period?
No decision has been reached yet in that regard, and neither are there proposals in relation to it.
22.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons in receipt of pay-related benefit on 1st June, 1975, and on 1st January, 1976; and the total amounts paid for each of these dates.
Pay-related benefit was paid to 22,925 persons in the week ended 31st May, 1975; the total amount of the benefit paid in that week was £148,269. The latest date for which precise figures are available is the week ended 28th November, 1975. In that week 33,748 persons were paid a total of £221,720 in pay-related benefit.
Can the Minister say how much money there is in the pay-related benefit fund?
I have not got that information.
My information which, incidentally was not passed to me by anyone within the Department but which I received from another source, is that the fund is substantial but that the moneys are being used for purposes other than pay-related benefits. Perhaps if I table a question to that effect, the Minister will oblige me with the information.
The Deputy will be entitled to an answer.