Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

149 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people signing for credits in respect of unemployment benefit in each of the years from 1992 to 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21230/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The number of people signing for credits only in each of the years from 1992 to 1996 is as follows — figures relate to 30 October in each case:

1992	17,580	1993	17,021
1994	14,338	1995	16,462
1996	17,924

The corresponding figure for end October 1986 was 12,770. Persons who do not qualify for receipt of an unemployment payment may, in certain circumstances, if unemployed and available for employment, sign for credited contributions.

Credited contributions ensure that a client's insurance record is maintained and these contributions can be taken into account in determining entitlement to other social welfare benefits and pensions subsequently.

Joe Walsh

Question:

150 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have arrangements made to pay a non-contributory survivor's pension by electronic funds transfer to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [21360/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Over the past number of years my Department has introduced, on a progressive basis, facilities for the payment of a range of social welfare entitlements by electronic fund transfer to personal accounts at Banks and other financial institutions. At present, more than 102,000 customers avail of this option.

This facility is not available to non-contributory survivor's pensioners at present. However, arrangements are being made to have the facility made available to this group early in the new year.