Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 237: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are circumstances in which she will reconsider the decision not to pay the December bonus in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36014/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Christmas Bonus payment was introduced in December, 1980, for social welfare pensioners and people in receipt of long term social welfare payments. There have been a number of developments in this scheme since its inception, including upward and downward adjustments in the level of the bonus payment.

Each year the Government makes a decision on the payment of the Christmas Bonus having regard to the prevailing economic circumstances. This year it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure so as to restore order and stability to the public finances. In this context, the decision was made that the Christmas Bonus would not be paid in 2009. The decision was announced in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 238: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded an increase in their jobseeker's allowance. [36034/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned was in receipt of jobseeker's allowance at the weekly rate of €266.90 having been assessed with means at €203.00 derived from spouse's earnings. Following a review, her means have been revised to €115.00 retrospective to 9 February. The arrears due to her will be made within the next few days.