Vol. 401 No. 1
33 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the financial hardship being endured by women living in this country whose husbands have emigrated, he will consider introducing a special emigrant spouses allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the provisions of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, any person, subject to certain specific exclusions, whose means are insufficient to meet his needs and the needs of his dependants, is entitled to an allowance. This can take the form of a weekly payment or a special payment to meet a particular need. An emigrant's spouse who is in financial difficulties could apply for an allowance under this scheme.
It is also open to such a person to claim unemployment assistance in her own right provided that she is available for and genuinely seeking work.
