Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Questions (405)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

405. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the circumstances in which a person may engage in voluntary work in their local community, for the purposes of developing their own skills and benefitting the local community, and continue to claim jobseeker's payments; if this facility is limited to voluntary work done within the jurisdiction; her views on whether this discriminates against those who live in Border communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3977/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

A customer may engage in voluntary work within the State without affecting their jobseeker entitlements, provided they continue to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for full-time employment and genuinely seeking work. The voluntary activity must be within the State and that requirement is not seen as discriminatory as it is applies to all customers regardless of their distance from the border. Examples of voluntary work in which jobseekers may engage include helping the sick, elderly or persons with a disability or assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations and local resident associations.

Details of the voluntary work option arrangements are published on the Department’s website and, in order to ensure that the profile is raised, all staff involved in the administration of the jobseeker schemes are aware of these arrangements and of the operational procedures under which they operate. Details are also published on the Volunteer Ireland website.

Question No. 406 answered with Question No. 396.