Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

199 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has failed in her appeal against loss of unemployment benefit; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that up to 12 persons similarly employed on a week on, week off basis at the same place of employment will be likewise affected; if his attention has been further drawn to the hardship being caused to these workers who have been in receipt of social welfare for the days they have not been working for ten years; his views on the policy issue which has resulted in the present position of this person and her co-workers; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the policy issue concerned has been the subject of repeated representations by the persons concerned in this particular situation, their union and other representatives; the plans, if any, he has for changes in his Departments present position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2743/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The legislation conditions governing entitlement to unemployment benefit were changed with effect from January 1993 in the light of the extension of full social insurance cover to all employed persons earning £25 per week or over. The purpose of the amendment was to give entitlement to unemployment benefit to part-time workers who lost employment. The conditions now in operation require a person to have sustained a loss of employment, i.e. to have lost at least a day's work in order to be entitled to unemployment benefit.

The new conditions apply to workers generally, including persons who had been in part-time work prior to the change. The person concerned has been in part-time employment on a continuous basis since 1984 and, under the previous legislation, was entitled to unemployment benefit for days not worked. She is no longer entitled to claim on the grounds that she has not suffered any loss of employment.

While the changes in the legislation consequent on the inclusion of part-time workers resulted in some claimants no longer qualifying for benefit, the basic thrust of the measures was to extend social insurance cover, for short term benefits and pensions, to many part-time workers who were not previously covered. Furthermore, the conditions for unemployment benefit are consistent with the fundamental purpose of the scheme, which is to provide insurance cover to people who lose employment.

I want to ensure that the social welfare system does not operate to discourage people from taking up employment. The new programme for GovernmentA 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 educational leave. I will have the circumstances outlined in the question considered in that context in the light of forthcoming opportunities for legislative change.