Noel Ahern
Ceist:868 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason unemployment assistance and unemployment benefit have the same payment rates; if a person entitled to unemployment benefit can now opt for unemployment assistance which will give fuel allowance and Christmas bonus; if not, the reason a person with a contribution record is being discriminated against and treated less favourably than a person on unemployment assistance; if he will reconsider the new situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2907/02]