Jobseeker's Benefit Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Questions (142)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

142. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the policy that persons in receipt of a jobseeker's benefit have their claim frozen if they go on JobBridge, meaning that if they had one day left on their claim they would not be assessed during the nine month internship and would still have that one day left at the end of the internship, regardless of their assets or other household income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41762/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Unemployed people who wish to avail of a JobBridge internship have their entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit frozen so as to ensure continuity of payment for the duration of their participation on the programme.

There are no immediate plans to change this policy. The Department has, however, commissioned an independent evaluation of JobBridge. The results of the evaluation are expected in early 2016 and will inform any further changes to the scheme.