asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will abolish the urban/non-urban divide which exists in the payment of unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that I am abolishing the distinction between urban and non-urban rates of unemployment assistance which is the subject matter of her question. I undertook in my contribution to the budget debate to review this differential and to have new arrangements in place by July. This review has now been completed and the Government have decided to end the differential. The necessary legislation to give effect to the Government decision is included in the Social Welfare Bill, 1989, which was circulated to Deputies on 27 February.