asked the Minister for Social Welfare the average length of time an unemployed released prisoner must wait to receive State assistance.

15.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider permitting a prisoner to apply for social welfare prior to his release to ensure that he would not be forced back into crime immediately through want.

: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

In the normal course payment of unemployment benefit or assistance is made in the week following the date of claim. In a minority of cases inquiries involving some delay may have been made. During the period in which such claims are being examined the persons concerned may apply for supplementary welfare allowance which can be paid at short notice. It is the practice at employment exchanges to inform applicants to this effect.

A person who is undergoing imprisonment cannot be regarded as being available for employment which is one of the statutory requirements for receipt of unemployment benefits or assistance and such persons are, in fact, statutorily disqualified for receiving payment during that period. However, my Department in the course of discussions with organisations concerned with the welfare of ex-prisoners have indicated their willingness to make whatever special arrangements may be necessary to help such persons as far as possible with their claims for social welfare benefits. I will arrange to have the Deputy's suggestion considered in this context.

: Would the Minister not agree that the suggestion contained in Question No. 15, that prisoners might be allowed apply for the supplementary allowance rather than benefit before they leave prison, is worth while?

: That is a very good idea and I indicated that in my reply.

: Would he say if he intends to have it implemented?

: We have asked these organisations to discuss the matter with us. I would be in favour of something like that whereby a prisoner immediately on release would be entitled to benefit.