Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
186. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding payment of a jobseeker's benefit to non-nationals who have been made redundant and the payment of this insurance-related benefit to persons who have left this country to return to their homeland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24948/15]
View answerJobseekers benefit is not paid where the applicant is absent from the State except in the following circumstances:
- While looking for work in another EU country for a period of up to 3 months;
- For up to 2 weeks holidays in a calendar year (paid in arrears); and
- While representing Ireland at an international sporting event (also paid in arrears).
Legislation in relation jobseeker's benefit does not distinguish between Irish nationals and other nationalities. Normal qualifying conditions apply in all circumstances in that a customer must be unemployed (for at least 4 days out of 7), be capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work and have enough social insurance contributions.
