Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1997

Vol. 474 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael McDowell

Ceist:

51 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of non-nationals currently in receipt of unemployment allowance; the circumstances under which they are allowed to claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2383/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The number of non-nationals currently in receipt of unemployment assistance from my Department is estimated at 3,000, the vast majority of whom are nationals of other EU countries.

Social Welfare legislation does not require a minimum period of residence in Ireland before a person may apply for unemployment assistance. The entitlement of non-nationals to unemployment assistance thus falls to be determined in accordance with the same conditions as claims by Irish nationals.

To qualify for unemployment assistance a person must be unemployed, capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work and must satisfy the means test.

Under the Treaty of Rome, citizens of member states are entitled to travel to other member states to seek employment. As such, EU nationals are treated in the same way as Irish citizens in respect of applications for unemployment assistance.

Non-EU nationals are subject to restrictions regarding the right to reside and to work in the State. Where they apply for unemployment assistance evidence must be produced that they are legally resident in the State and are free to accept employment here. Where these conditions are fulfilled they are allowed to claim unemployment assistance subject to the usual conditions.