Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
472. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration has been given to providing financial support to recent graduates who plan on entering the workforce at this time having completed their education and who cannot do so due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16933/20]
View answerGraduates who complete their education may apply for a jobseeker's payment if they are unable to obtain employment.
Jobseekers benefit is an income support, for people who satisfy the conditions of the scheme including the requirement to have a certain number of paid social insurance contributions; they must have suffered a substantial loss of employment and are available for full time employment. Where a person does not qualify for jobseekers benefit they may apply for the means tested jobseekers allowance.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for financial support under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme subject to satisfying the conditions of the scheme which includes a means test. Further information on the supports available are provided on www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the position.
