I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 to 350, inclusive, and 352 354, inclusive, together.
An increase of €5 in the weekly personal rate of jobseeker's benefit with a proportionate increase for a qualified adult would cost an estimated €13.7 million in a full year. A reduction of €5 in the weekly personal rate of all social protection payments made to persons aged under 66 years of age would save € 226 million in a full year. A reduction of €10 per week in the personal rate of jobseeker's allowance for new and existing claimants with a duration of 12 months or more with a proportionate reduction for a qualified adult would save an estimated €102 million in a full year. A reduction of €10 per week in the personal rate of jobseeker's allowance for new and existing claimants with a duration of 18 months or more with a proportionate reduction for a qualified adult would save an estimated €77 million in a full year. A reduction of €10 per week in the personal rate of jobseeker's allowance for new and existing claimants with a duration of 24 months with a proportionate reduction for a qualified adult would save an estimated €75 million in a full year.
In Budget 2013, the duration for which jobseeker's benefit is paid was reduced from twelve months to nine for those with more than 260 contributions and reduced from nine months to six for those with less than 260 contributions. The estimated savings for these measures as announced on Budget day were €33 million in 2013 and €81 million in a full year.
Reducing the maximum age for the qualified child increase to 18 years would save €13 million in a full year. Reducing the maximum age for the qualified child increase to 19 years would save €7 million in a full year.
The saving that would be achieved from increasing the minimum number of hours worked for family income supplement from 19 to 24 hours is currently being updated and will be made available to the Deputy when available.
An increase of €4 for single people and €8 for couples in the minimum contribution for rent supplement would save €22 million in a full year.