asked the Minister for Social Welfare when elderly persons on the unemployment register will be exempted from signing on the unemployment register; if there are any continuing industrial relations problems in implementing the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pre-Retirement Allowance Scheme.
50.
The new pre-retirement allowance scheme provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1988 will relieve certain elderly persons who are long-term unemployed of the necessity of signing the unemployment register while at the same time providing them with alternative arrangements for receiving their weekly payments. Discussions are being held with staff interests and there is nothing to indicate that there will be any industrial relations problems in implementing the scheme which will come into operation later this year as planned.