Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Enda Kenny

Question:

354 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if the statutory condition of availability for work in the case of entitlements for unemployment benefit can apply or be applied to women who have skills in administration and IT and are available to work from the home; if he will amend the regulation to cater for these instances where a proportion of unemployment benefit could be paid in accordance with the number of hours worked by the applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

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, amongst other things, demonstrate that he or she is capable of, 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 or 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.