Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Written Answers. - Community Employment Workers.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

159 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement on the way in which the recent changes in community employment adversely affect the status of those on long-term unemployment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these changes mean that a person who changes from long-term unemployment to community employment loses his long-term unemployment status and benefits after 12 months on such a project; and the plans, if any, he has to permit these participants to regain long-term unemployment benefits after the 12 month period. [14903/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Prionsias De Rossa)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 319 on Tuesday 2 July 1996.

The Deputy will be aware that, by virtue of paying Class A PRSI, community employment workers are improving their insurance record which will help them to qualify for social insurance benefits and pensions in the future. Class A benefits include, for example, unemployment benefit, disability benefit, maternity benefit, old age contributory pension, treatment benefit and occupational injuries benefit.