Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2014
74. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have had their jobseeker's benefit or allowance reduced or suspended for refusing to engage with labour activation schemes in the first half of 2013; and the number in the second half of 2013. [19741/14]
View answerLegislation provides that penalties in the form of reduced payments may be imposed by a Deciding Officer where clients fail, without good cause, to comply with activation measures.
Activation measures include the requirement to attend group or individual meetings, and/or avail of suitable education, training or development opportunities, or specified employment programmes, which are considered appropriate to a person’s circumstances. A total of 3,395 penalties were applied during 2013.
