Vol. 568 No. 5
459 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when unemployment assistance or benefit will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16387/03]
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 16 May 2003. She stated that she had left work of her own accord due to ill health and a deciding officer disallowed her claim for unemployment benefit for a period of nine weeks on the grounds that she had left work voluntarily. Notification of the decision and her right to appeal issued to the person concerned on 6 June 2003 and there is no record of an appeal having been made.
460 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the developments over recent years in the living alone allowance; when it commenced; if it has kept pace with general pension increases; when it last moved; and if she will consider the matter in the next budget in view of the fact that persons receiving living alone allowance feel an increase is warranted. [16469/03]
The living alone allowance which was introduced in 1977 is an additional payment, currently, of €7.70 per week, made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare type payments. It is also available to those under 66 years of age receiving payments under a number of invalidity type schemes. The allowance was last increased in 1996. The policy on support for older people has been to commit resources to improving the personal pension rates for all pensioners.
The improvements announced in Budget 2003 saw the old age (contributory) pension increase to €157.30 per week and the old age (non-contributory) pension increase to €144.00 per week. The equivalent rates in 1997 were €99.04 and €85.71,respectively.
Other improvements made in the area of pensions include changes in the assessment of capital under the means tests for non-contributory payments. There have also been significant improvements in the free schemes. It will be my priority to ensure that available resources are used effectively in directing support to categories of people who are in the greatest need and the particular needs of pensioners will be taken into account in that context.
