I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 274 together.
In general, the rate of social protection payment is not based on marital or civil status. In respect of jobseeker's payments, the amount paid reflects any means assessed, where means are relevant, with appropriate additional payments for a dependant adult and children, as appropriate. The rates paid by FÁS in respect of CE are based on the actual rates of social welfare payments made by my Department prior to commencing employment, with some exceptions. When a person commences CE, their jobseeker's payment ceases and they transfer to the FÁS-funded payment instead. The standard payment on CE is €208 per week and all participants receive this as a minimum payment, regardless of the prior social protection payment. Any person with a social protection payment which was means assessed for an amount below €188 (including provision for adult and child dependants) will receive a minimum of €208 per week (gross) from CE. A person who was assessed to receive an amount in excess of €188 per week by my Department will receive the same rate on CE as their social protection payment, plus the €20 per week CE participation bonus.
Persons in receipt of disability-linked social protection payments retain some or all of their original social protection payment (this can include provision for an adult and child dependants) and additionally receive the CE single adult rate of €208 per week from FÁS.
Lone parents retain most of their original social protection payment (including full child dependant allowances) and additionally receive the CE single adult rate of €208 per week plus an additional €29.80 per week per child.