Dan Boyle
Question:1006 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason foreign workers on long-term work permits are not entitled to benefits despite making full PRSI payments [2076/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
I understand that the Deputy is referring specifically to entitlement to unemployment benefit. A principal requirement for entitlement to unemployment benefit for any claimant is that he or she must be able to demonstrate availability for full-time employment. In consideration of this condition, any factor which would place restriction on the acceptance of an offer of suitable employment would lead to the claim being disallowed.
Where a visa is not renewed following expiration, the person cannot be considered to be available for full-time employment, on the basis that he would not be in a position to take up a suitable offer of work. A person in this situation would not, in the normal course, qualify for unemployment benefit.