Vol. 415 No. 1
245 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Labour if he will ensure that unemployed persons who are entitled to mortgage subsidy from health boards and to a free fuel allowance while claiming unemployment assistance are not deprived of these extra benefits when participating in social employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The application of the conditions governing the payment of mortgage subsidies by health boards is a matter for the Minister for Health while the Minister for Social Welfare is responsible for the application of the conditions governing the payment of the free fuel allowance.
I would point out, however, to the Deputy that the basic payments to participants on the social employment scheme are at a higher level than the rate of unemployment assistance in order to compensate participants for the loss of benefits such as mortgage subsidy and free fuel allowance.
