asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons who have had their social welfare payments reduced as a result of the implementation of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1989; the average amount of such reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payment Reductions.
46.
The overall amount payable where one of a couple claims unemployment assistance and the other member also claims a social welfare payment is limited to what would be payable if only one of the couple claimed and the other was an adult dependant. Following a Supreme Court decision the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1989, extended this provision, which previously applied only to married couples, to cohabiting couples as well. At the same time a review group was established to examine the wider implications of the Supreme Court judgment and to examine the social welfare code as it applies to households generally. In the light of the review group's findings the question of any further amendments to the present legislation will be considered.
Details as to the numbers of cohabiting couples whose payments have been affected by the provisions of the 1989 Act are not available.