Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 April 2016
8. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will change the manner in which term-time workers in the education sector on low working hours receive jobseekers' payments when school holidays are taking place (details supplied) given the low level of payment many receive at Easter time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7913/16]
View answer9. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to report on the time it takes for jobseekers' payments for term-time workers in education to have their applications processed and payments made (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7914/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where the person is not in receipt of holiday pay for those days and where they also satisfy the conditions of the scheme.
School educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises. However, it is important to note that educational sector workers are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment.
Initially, when a person makes an application for jobseeker’s benefit, 3 waiting days apply and payment is made from the 4th day of the claim where there is no accrued holiday entitlement. If, however, a person makes a repeat claim for jobseeker’s benefit within 26 weeks of their previous claim, the repeat claim links to the earlier claim and no waiting days apply.
In general, there is no delay in processing jobseeker benefit claims in Intreo Centres if the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation are completed, as required by the customer in a timely manner. On average, a jobseeker’s benefit claim is decided within one week of application.
Regarding the person referred to by the Deputy, the period of her unemployment was from 17 March 2016 to 5 April 2016. She had 3 waiting days applied at the start of her claim and was paid for 2 days holidays. She received €250.67 and is due an additional €125.33 which will issue to her shortly.
