Dáil Éireann - Volume 290 - 13 May, 1976

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald

13. Mr. G. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of money paid out in (a) unemployment benefit (b) pay-related benefit and (c) unemployment assistance for the 12 months to the end of April, 1976.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. Cluskey) Frank Cluskey

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. Cluskey): Figures of expenditure for the month of April, 1976 on the services referred to by the Deputy are not yet available. In the 12 months to the end of March, 1976 expenditure was approximately £38.5 million on unemployment benefit, £6.25 million on pay-related unemployment benefit and £42.5 million on unemployment assistance.

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

14. Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a number of children's allowance books which should have issued from his Department by the 1st April have not yet been delivered; and if he will rectify the situation.

Mr. Cluskey Mr. Cluskey

Mr. Cluskey: Children's allowance books are issued to the post office of payment for collection by the payees, or, in the small number of cases where payment is made through a bank, direct to the payees themselves. The issue of renewal books containing orders payable from 6th April, 1976, was completed before that date. However, I am aware that for a variety of reasons such as, in particular, failure to notify changes of address to my Department, books did not reach the payees in a number of cases. As these cases come to light the position is rectified as quickly as possible. If the Deputy is aware of any case in which a renewal book has not been received I will have the matter looked into without delay if he will let me have the details.

Dáil Éireann 290 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Social Welfare Benefits.

Questions

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