asked the Minister for Social Welfare the basis on which the sum of £19.20 arrears was calculated in the case of an application for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The sum of £19.20, to which the Deputy refers, is the amount of weekly means assessed against the person concerned in determining his entitlement to unemployment assistance. These means were derived from the value of an educational grant.

He appealed against the amount of the means assessed against him but an appeals officer upheld the assessment. The person concerned was accordingly paid unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £6.25, being the maximum rate payable to him, £25.45 less means £19.20 during the period of his claim from 5 July 1982—7 September 1982.

Is the Minister aware that it is alleged recipients of unemployment assistance in similar circumstances, or even better financial circumstances, were awarded the full payment? Is he also aware that the family circumstances in this instance are very poor — the father is on disability benefit and the mother has been confined to hospital for a considerable period? Would the Minister have this case reviewed?

As the Deputy is aware, there are guidelines which have to be followed. The value of the grant is considered to be £19.20 a week, almost £1,000 a year and that is taken as means. If the Deputy knows of other cases and brings them to my notice, I will have them examined.

I ask the Minister to have the social welfare officer establish if other recipients receive full unemployment assistance, even though they get the full education grant. There must be equality.

I do not have the facts before me, but if the Deputy supplies them I will have those cases investigated.

10.