asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the automatic reduction in unemployment benefit payments to recipients whose spouses take up FÁS courses; to the fact that such a reduction is a huge disincentive to married women availing of courses; if he will consider any proposed changes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
154.
Where a dependent spouse of an unemployment benefit recipient takes up a FÁS course the adult dependant increase in benefit of £29 a week ceases to be payable. As a full-time FÁS trainee, however, the spouse would qualify for a minimum allowance of £47 per week. This represents an increase of £18 per week in the overall level of income maintenance paid to the household. In the circumstances, there are no plans to change the arrangements for unemployment benefit payments in the case of persons who take up FÁS courses.