Vol. 475 No. 7
17 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself with procedures available to former prisoners who require social welfare assistance on their release from prison; the consideration, if any, he has given to such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/97]
204 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of former prisoners who claim unemployment assistance on their release from prison; the processing period required for such claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5596/97]
205 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of former prisoners who availed of special arrangements to obtain a social welfare benefit on their release from prison in 1996; the type of special arrangements which can be put in place in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 204 and 205 together.
Information is not maintained in my Department of the number of former prisoners who claim unemployment assistance or other social welfare payments on their release.
Experience in social welfare local offices shows that the majority of prisoners who apply for unemployment assistance on release have been in receipt of payment prior to entering prison and payment is made without delay on the next due pay date. Where a released prisoner who has had no previous application attends a social welfare local office the case is dealt with expeditiously. In the majority of cases this means a payment issuing on the next due pay date. Unemployment assistance is however paid in arrears and where there is immediate need the person is advised to contact the community welfare officer for a payment under the supplementary welfare scheme.
I am satisfied that the current procedures which are in place for released prisoners are working well and I am not aware of any problem in this regard. These procedures are kept under review.
