Vol. 483 No. 4
48 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the estimated level of unemployment underlying the allocation for unemployment assistance as published in the 1998 Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20551/97]
The unemployment assistance estimate contained in the 1998 Abridged Estimates Volume provides for payments to an average of 170,800 recipients, of whom 7,800 are smallholders. The money provision of £727.4 million includes £31.9 million for smallholders.
The 1998 Abridged Estimates Volume also contains a provision for payment to unemployment benefit recipients. The entitlements are paid out of the social insurance fund which is financed almost entirely by PRSI contributions. The unemployment benefit estimate provides for payments to an average of 61,000 recipients during the year at a cost to the fund of £217.7 million.
