asked the Minister for Social Welfare why his Department informed the British Ministry of Social Security that there was plenty of work available at £39 per week for a person in County Meath (name supplied); if he is aware that as a result of this statement the hardship allowance from the British Ministry has been discontinued; and if he will now rectify this matter with a view to having the allowance restored.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hardship Allowance.
22.
My Department did not inform the British Ministry as stated in the first part of the question and accordingly the second and third parts of the question do not arise.
The British Ministry of Social Security informed him that the reason why they were cutting off his hardship allowance was because they were informed by the Department of Social Welfare there was plenty of work available at £39 a week.
There is no question of that type of information being given.
The Parliamentary Secretary can say that again.
There is no question of that type of information being given to the British Ministry by me.
What information did the Parliamentary Secretary give about this case to the British Ministry then?
As far as I understand it, the information that is exchanged is the insurance record in this country. That would be the extent of the information.
There would be no mention of availability of work?
No. The question asks why my Department informed the British Ministry of Social Security that there was plenty of work available at £39 per week for a person in County Meath.
That is what the British Ministry told me when they were cutting off this man's hardship allowance.
That information was not given by my Department.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give me any information that was given?
I would be prepared to give the Deputy whatever communication took place between my Department and the British Ministry in connection with this matter.
The Parliamentary Secretary will send it on to me?
Yes.