Over 100,000 people receiving inadequate dole payments

2 Mar 2001

Over 100,000 people are receiving inadequate unemployment payments according to the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed. Responding to today's Live Register figures, which showed a fall of 300 in the seasonally adjusted figure, the Organisation pointed out that both Unemployment Benefit and Unemployment Assistance fall substantially below the 50% poverty line.

Tony Monks of the INOU said " Today's figures show a seasonally adjusted reduction of 300 in the Live Register for the month. While this is very low compared to the same period in 2000 or 1999, the continued fall is to be welcomed. However the fact remains that over 100,000 people are receiving inadequate payments from Government, and that over half the households in Ireland headed by an unemployed person are living in poverty."

On April 1st the lowest social welfare rates (Unemployment Assistance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance) will increase from £76 to £84 per week. The 50% poverty line, that is where income is half the average disposable income, is currently estimated at £102.16. After the Budget 2001 increases have been delivered, those on the lowest social welfare rate will still be over £18 short of this poverty line each week.

"It is very encouraging to see the continued fall in the Live Register, but while this Government penalises those looking for work with completely inadequate payments, their commitment to a fairer society rings very hollow." said Mr. Monks.

ENDS
For further information contact:
Tony Monks, General Secretary
087 249 6066/ 01 856 00088
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer
087 61 67689 / 01 856 0088