Social Welfare Code

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024

Thursday, 25 January 2024

Questions (279)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

279. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection whether people who were employed for many years and were farming in a very small way at the same time and then went on illness benefit for a year and a half, are entitled to job seeker's benefit on recovery from the illness affecting them, subject to the normal conditions; and if not the reason they are not entitled to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3546/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

A person is not regarded as being unemployed for Jobseeker's Benefit purposes, for any day that they are actively engaged in farming.

If the person is still engaged in farming, they may be entitled to receive Farm Assist subject to satisfying the normal conditions for the payment.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.