Jobseeker's Benefit

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Questions (179)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

179. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the annual cost to the State of extending jobseeker's benefit from nine months to 12 months; of increasing payments to those with less than 260 pay-related social insurance contributions from six months to nine months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19939/15]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Based on current recipient numbers the estimated full-year cost of increasing the duration of jobseeker’s benefit to 12 months for recipients with 260 or more contributions paid is €33 million, and to 9 months for recipients with less than 260 contributions paid is some €6 million. Combined this equates in a full year to approximately €39 million.