Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
386. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an Irish person living in France for six months and whether that person would have entitlement to claim jobseeker's allowance for this period of time while living in France. [7838/14]
View answerThe social security rights of people travelling across the EU are governed by EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009 on the coordination of social security systems. The Regulations determine, amongst other things, the social security legislation to which a person is subject, and the Member State which is liable to pay benefits.
For the purpose of these regulations job seekers allowance is classed as what is known as a special non-contributory benefit. This means the benefit is paid exclusively in the country of residence and in accordance with its legislation. Irish legislation does not provide for the payment of jobseeker’s allowance outside the jurisdiction and, accordingly, it cannot be paid to a person resident in France or any other country.
