Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022

Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Questions (125)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the issue of the terms and conditions of applying for jobseeker's benefit online, which do not include the circumstances in which applicants who are still in employment but are making an application due to reduced hours of employment must declare that they are unemployed; if she will ensure that the terms and conditions will be adjusted in order that applicants who are on reduced hours of employment are not legally compromised by agreeing to such terms and conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26644/22]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

If a person wishes to avail of a Jobseeker’s payment they must complete the Declaration as part of their application stating that they satisfy all the conditions for the scheme including being unemployed, capable of, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.  The conditions for a jobseekers payment apply to all jobseekers regardless of their current employment status.  If a person is in casual or part-time employment they are deemed to be unemployed and are expected to continue to look for full-time work. 

On going reviews are carried out on all jobseeker’s claims, including those in casual or part-time employment, to ensure that a person continues to satisfy all the conditions for the scheme and s/he may be asked, from time to time, to produced evidence of their efforts to find suitable full-time employment.    

All claims are decided on an individual basis by a Deciding Officer based on the circumstances of the person and all parts of the application process must be fully completed. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.