asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick was refused a Christmas bonus when he has been unemployed in this country and the UK since January 1985; and if she will allow this payment.

Under the Social Welfare (Temporary Provisions) Regulations, 1986, a long term unemployment assistance recipient, that is one who has proved unemployment for not less than 390 days, is entitled to a bonus of 65 per cent of the normal weekly payment due for the week 26 November 1986 to 2 December 1986.

The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance from 12 November 1985 and has not proved unemployment for the required period of 390 days. Consequently, he is not regarded as a long term recipient and is not entitled to the bonus payment.