asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether his Department gave instructions to social welfare officers to either disqualify farmers' sons or else to reduce substantially their rate of unemployment assistance, in cases where they are living in homes outside of the farm and outside of the family home and in some cases where such applicants are married and where they have no visible means of income or support; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Eligibility.
186.
The items which constitute means for unemployment assistance purposes are set out in section 146 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981, and in the Unemployment Assistance (Calculation of Means) Regulations 1934, as amended.
The means test for all unemployment assistance claimants is carried out in accordance with the legislation. There are detailed administrative arrangements designed to ensure that each claimant is treated equitably. No instructions on the lines suggested have been issued by the Department. If the Deputy is aware of any cases which he feels warrant reinvestigation he should advise the Department of the details so that the cases can be examined without delay.