Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Written Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.

Ivor Callely

Question:

15 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself with the regulations in place for former prisoners who are entitled to claim unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3131/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Former prisoners are entitled to claim unemployment assistance on the same basis as any other person i.e. providing they are capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work.

Arrangements are in place whereby a means test for unemployment assistance may be conducted in advance of a prisoner's release date to avoid any delays in payment, when released. It is necessary for ex-prisoners, as with all other applicants, to attend a local office of the Department to sign the live register, usually once per month.

Unemployment payments are also paid to prisoners on parole as they are not regarded as being in legal custody. However, this would not apply to prisoners released for short periods on compassionate grounds.