It is presumed that what the Deputy has in mind is the disqualification from unemployment payments where a person voluntarily leaves employment. Under existing legislation, a person who leaves employment of their own free will and without good reason is disqualified from receiving either unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance for a period of up to nine weeks.
The new programme for Government. A Government of Renewal contains a commitment to take steps to eliminate or remove any administrative, tax or welfare obstacles to job sharing, voluntary part-time working, flexible working of a seasonal or temporary character or career breaks and education leave. I will have the circumstances outlined by the Deputy considered in that context in the light of forthcoming opportunities for legislative change.