Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will re-examine entitlement to social welfare assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who wishes to take up a position with JobBridge but who is only currently receiving credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22725/13]
View answerThe Department’s records show that the person referred to by the Deputy made a claim for credits on 18th December, 2012 and is still signing. I am advised that, taking into account the earnings of her spouse, she would not satisfy the means test for a Jobseeker payment and accordingly is signing for credits. However, the person meets the eligibility requirements for JobBridge by virtue of the fact that she has been signing on for credits for a period of 78 days or 3 months in the last six months.
The Department has contacted the company which has advised that it has selected the person concerned for this internship. The company further indicated that the person concerned is considering whether to take up this internship as she would only have an entitlement to the €50 weekly top-up allowance as she is not in receipt of a Jobseeker payment. The company stated that it informed the person concerned that it would keep this internship open for her until 14th May and is currently awaiting confirmation as to whether she wishes to take up this internship.
