asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that persons who are being paid unemployment assistance rates, but are classified as recipients of unemployment benefit (due to insufficient contribution records) are being disqualified from the urban fuel scheme; and if he will take steps to ensure that this practice changes.
Written Answers. - Urban Fuel Scheme.
385.
The rate of unemployment benefit payable after the first six months of entitlement depends on whether the claimant has 280 contributions paid over the seven preceding contribution years. If this additional condition is not satisfied, a reduced rate of unemployment benefit, equivalent to the basic urban rate of unemployment assistance, is payable for the remaining maximum period of nine months entitlement. The payment is not subject to a means test as would unemployment assistance and pay-related benefit is payable in addition. At the end of 15 months payment of unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance is payable, subject to a means test.
The urban fuel schemes operate in certain areas and are administered by the local authorities in those areas. Entitlement to a fuel allowance under these schemes is automatic for certain categories of social welfare recipients, one of which is unemployment assistance recipients with dependants. Receipients of unemployment benefit at the reduced rate are not covered by those schemes.
As previously indicated in reply to parliamentary questions, proposals are being prepared for rationalising the existing fuel schemes and introducing a single unified scheme for the country as a whole with uniform standards of entitlement. It is hoped to have this scheme ready for the next heating season.