Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Code.

Noel Ahern

Question:

294 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason people who come off community employment schemes are no longer entitled to fuel allowances, a Christmas bonus and so on; the reason the regulations were changed; if matters will be rectified and entitlements restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3989/99]

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

The issue raised by the Deputy relates to those former community employment workers who revert to the Live Register after completing a period on a CE scheme, and who, by virtue of having paid class A PRSI contributions, may qualify or re-qualify for unemployment benefit rather than reverting to long-term unemployment assistance. As a consequence, they lose entitlement to the social welfare secondary benefits which are payable only with long-term welfare payments.

This issue arises as a direct consequence of the extension of class A PRSI to community employment workers, which was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1996. The purpose of this measure was to enhance the PRSI status of community employment workers and to put them on a par with other class A workers in so far as social insurance entitlements are concerned.

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 re-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.