Vol. 548 No. 5
347 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo sent correspondence to an official of his Department regarding unemployment benefit payments, and if the said correspondence of 9 January 2002 has still not been acknowledged or replied to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5640/02]
The correspondence referred to by the Deputy concerns the introduction of a new salary-type payment for county and city councillors with effect from 1 January 2002. A reply was issued to the person concerned on 15 February 2002. A number of issues have been raised concerning the implications of the new arrangements as far as social welfare payments are concerned and these are being considered by my Department. Appropriate guidelines will be issued in this matter as soon as possible.
