Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Questions (593)

Gerry Adams

Question:

604 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has completed a report to advise her on appropriate steps to deal with the general issue of social welfare payments to retained fire fighters; if she will publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18780/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Taking account of the unusual circumstances of retained fire brigade personnel and general efforts to develop and standardise our jobseeker schemes, a departmental group was established in late 2011 to examine the position of these workers vis-à-vis jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance.

While this examination has been largely completed, a number of issues arising from it are being considered further. My officials will be in touch with relevant Deputies in this regard as soon as possible.