Vol. 506 No. 2
329 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to rectify the difficulties arising for those who come off community employment schemes who lose their free fuel, Christmas bonus, dependant over 18 payments and butter vouchers and, if they resume on the scheme, they still suffer the loss of these concessions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15246/99]
Following on the extension of class A PRSI to community employment (CE) workers in 1996, the position is that CE workers are treated in the same way as other class A workers in so far as social insurance entitlements are concerned.
CE workers who revert to the live register after completing a period on a CE scheme may therefore, by virtue of having paid class A PRSI contributions, qualify or re-qualify for unemployment benefit rather than reverting to long-term unemployment assistance. As a consequence, they are not entitled to the social welfare secondary benefits which are payable only with long-term welfare payments.
In the case of persons who qualify or re-qualify for unemployment benefit their earnings in the relevant tax year will determine whether or not they receive a graduated rate or the full rate of unemployment benefit. Persons entitled to a reduced or graduated rate of unemployment benefit are entitled to claim unemployment assistance if it is more beneficial to them. However, long-term unemployment assistance is not payable where the claimant is entitled to full rate unemployment benefit.
I have explained to the House on many occasions that I am not in a position to introduce special concessionary arrangements for CE workers who qualify for unemployment benefit without having equal regard to the position of other short-term social welfare payment recipients. Any such concessions could only be considered in light of available resources and in the light of other priorities.
330 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will allow persons available for part-time work to qualify for part employment benefit. [15330/99]
The purpose of the unemployment benefit scheme is to provide support for people who have lost employment and are unable to find alternative employment. To qualify for benefit a person must be available for and actively seeking full-time work. A person who takes up part-time work may qualify for benefit in respect of the remaining days of the week provided he/she continues to be available for work on those days. There are no plans to change the conditions for entitlement to benefit in this regard.
