Vol. 452 No. 7
75 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any he has to include the words Christmas bonus on the pre-retirement forms that are being presented to people on long term unemployment assistance as many potential claimants who would opt for the pre-retirement allowance are deterred on account of not seeing that they would carry through the Christmas bonus as a secondary benefit. [8542/95]
The payment of a Christmas bonus in any year is subject to approval by Government at the appropriate time; hence relevant forms do not include a specific reference to eligibility for the Christmas bonus. However, people who contact my Department regarding transferring from unemployment assistance to the pre-retirement allowance have the position regarding payment of the Christmas bonus explained to them. In the light of the Deputy's concerns, I will look into the question of including a suitable reference in the relevant forms.
