Vol. 448 No. 6
198 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will amend social welfare regulations to enable employees who wish to voluntary opt for a three day week to have some access to their pay-related social insurance in view of the fact that this could increase opportunities for job sharing and job creation. [2679/95]
It is presumed that what the Deputy has in mind is the disqualification from unemployment payments where a person voluntarily leaves employment. Under existing legislation, a person who leaves employment of their own free will and without good reason is disqualified from receiving either unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance for a period of up to nine weeks.
The new programme for Government. A Government of Renewal contains a commitment to take steps to eliminate or remove any administrative, tax or welfare obstacles to job sharing, voluntary part-time working, flexible working of a seasonal or temporary character or career breaks and education leave. I will have the circumstances outlined by the Deputy considered in that context in the light of forthcoming opportunities for legislative change.
