asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will change unemployment assistance means tests regulations to ensure that a man or woman, living with a parent or spouse, will be guaranteed a minimum level of unemployment assistance.
Written Answers. - Means Tests Regulations.
26.
The rate of unemployment assistance payable to a person is the appropriate maximum rate less the weekly means assessed. In assessing the means of a person living with his or her spouse, the income of the spouse is taken into account. In the case of single persons living at home, the value to them of board and lodgings is assessed. I do not consider these provisions to be unreasonable.
The purpose of the means assessment is to achieve a degree of equity between those living in relatively better off circumstances and those living in poorer circumstances. To provide a minimum guaranteed level of unemployment assistance irrespective of means would have major financial implications and would not be justified in present financial circumstances.