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

Question 840: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the basic social welfare payments will not be cut in the forthcoming Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38269/09]

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

Adjustments to social welfare rates of payment will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Estimates and Budget processes. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

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

Question 841: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of a revised means review carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a farm assist claim. [38281/09]

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

Following a review of the means of the person concerned his weekly rate of farm assist has been increased to €193.80 with effect from 11 August 2008. He has been notified of the position. The disposal of €10,000 by way of a gift was disregarded in the calculation of weekly means.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 842: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused unemployment assistance or benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38324/09]

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

One of the conditions for receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance is that the person must satisfy the means test. The person concerned was refused the allowance on the basis that his means exceeded the statutory limit. His means of €489 a week are derived from his spouse's earnings and income from property. Accordingly, his application was disallowed. He was notified of this decision on 2 October 2009 and of his right of Appeal. To date no notice of appeal has been received by the Department.