Jobseeker's Allowance Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2014

Thursday, 10 April 2014

Questions (92)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

92. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection if a system can be put in place for part-time fishermen to allow their claim for jobseeker's allowance to be dealt with immediately due to the fact that fishermen who make a claim when they come off a boat can wait for up to two weeks to receive an appointment with her Department to assess their application for jobseeker's and therefore can find themselves back at sea again within the two weeks, without their application having been dealt with and their file is then closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17140/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I am unaware of undue delays in dealing with jobseeker allowance claims made by particular groups such as fishermen as every effort is made to ensure that all jobseeker applications are dealt with as expeditiously as possible. However, where there is an unavoidable delay in a particular case, such as when waiting for outstanding documentation, the claim can continue to be processed after the customer has returned to work.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind and wishes to forward the details I will ensure that it is examined by the Department.

Question No. 93 withdrawn.