asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of extending the duration of unemployment benefit from its present level to: (a) 70 weeks; (b) 75 weeks; (c) 80 weeks; (d) 85 weeks; (e) 90 weeks; and (f) 100 weeks.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Costs.
84.
Detailed statistics are not available on the duration of unemployment beyond one year. It is not possible for this reason to give the information sought by the Deputy.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost at current levels of paying to the long term unemployed the child dependant allowance up to age 21 years in all circumstances where the child dependant is in full time education.
Statistics are not available of the number of children aged 18-21 of unemployed persons in full time education. It is not possible therefore to supply the information sought by the Deputy.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of introducing an additional payment equivalent to the weekly value of child dependant allowances paid on a quarterly basis for families who are dependent long term on social welfare.
The estimated cost of paying an additional payment, equivalent to the weekly value of child dependant allowances, on a quarterly basis for families who are dependent long term on social welfare would be of the order of £8 million per annum.
87.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of extending the free fuel and electricity allowance to all long term recipients of social welfare payments.
The estimated cost in 1986 terms of extending the free fuel and electricity allowance to all long term recipients of social welfare pensions and allowances is as follows:
|
Free fuel |
£34 million |
|
Free electricity allowance |
£27 million |