The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs has rejected a claim by the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed that where a married couple both become unemployed, they receive a reduced rate of benefit. In fact they are both entitled to the full payment of €118.80 (£93.56p).

A spokeswoman said the INOU may have confused the situation which exists for married couples who have both been unemployed for more than 15 months and apply for the means tested unemployment assistance payment.

They would receive €196.60 (£155), the same amount as a couple where only one partner had been working and paying full PRSI.