Unemployment payments to Ireland's jobless are well behind several countries in Scandinavia and mainland Europe but significantly more generous than in Northern Ireland and Britain, a Sunday Tribune survey has found. As the government contemplates whether to freeze or cut social welfare payments in Tuesday's budget, the survey – of benefits in countries all over the world – offers ammunition to people on both sides of the argument.

Those who believe that payments should be cut or held at current levels will be boosted by figures which show the Irish weekly payment of €204 is considerably higher than UK payments which range from £47.91 (€52.70) to £94.95 (€104.53). This is a fact which has been repeatedly pointed out by the minister for social welfare, Mary Hanafin, amid her department's ongoing clampdown on so-called cross-border "welfare tourism".

However, the survey also shows that countries with high standards of living such as Sweden reflect that in rates of unemployment benefit which are higher than Ireland's. The maximum rate of payment in Denmark stands at approximately €472 per week, or almost €1,900 a month. Similarly, the top rate in Germany stands at around €1,800 a month for a single person with children, while in Austria, a single person with no dependents can pull in up to €1,328 a month.

Rates in Spain, Sweden and other countries are also significantly higher than in Ireland. The London Times reported recently that, due to the vagaries of the French system, it is possible to earn up to €6,366.80 a month there, depending on your previous income levels.

At the other end of the scale are countries such as Argentina (€30-€60 monthly), Poland (up to €145 monthly), Latvia (€209 per month on average) and South Africa (€241 max per month).

It is important to note that countries which have lower rates of support also have significantly lower costs of living, something which is often reflected in their minimum wage rates outlined here.

Likewise, eligibility to the various payments varies hugely according to the way individual systems operate.

Unless specifically stated, the rates quoted here generally relate to a single person with no dependents.

This examination is only meant as a guide, and experts point out that it is worth contacting the authorities in the countries in question to find out your specific rights and entitlements.