Joe Walsh
Question:156 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the numbers of non-nationals in receipt of unemployment assistance; and if he will give details of the increase in numbers over the past five years. [14799/96]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
My Department does not compile statistics on the nationally of individuals in receipt of unemployment payments.
A survey of non-nationals in receipt of unemployment payments was undertaken in 1995. From the information available, it was estimated that the total number of non-nationals in receipt of unemployment payments in 1995 was approximately 2,000. This figure included EU nationals and non-EU nationals.
Joe Walsh
Question:157 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the qualifying length of time for non-nationals to obtain first payment of social welfare unemployment assistance when they take up residence in each EU country. [14800/96]
The type and extent of social protection varies greatly among the member states of the European Union and in the circumstances it is not possible to provide the information requested without more specific details.
Many member states do not have a generally available scheme similar to Irish unemployment assistance but provide income maintenance to unemployed persons in different ways. Entitlement is generally subject to other conditions relating to age, family status, previous employment or residence. In general the various schemes operated by member states are confined to their own nationals and to EU nationals if they have previously worked in the member state concerned.
I have arranged for two publications by the European Commission to be sent to the Deputy to assist him;Social Protection in the Member States of the European Union and Your Social Security rights when moving within the European Union. New editions of these publications to include details relating to the new EU member states are being prepared at present and I will arrange for a copy of these to be sent to the Deputy when available.