The job initiative programme, JI, is a three-year work experience programme for persons who have been unemployed for five years or longer. The programme is available to persons 35 years of age or older who are in receipt of unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, qualified adults or one parent family payment. The fundamental objective of JI is to progress participants into mainstream employment.
A consultancy review of JI undertaken in 1999 made a number of recommendations regarding the future operation of the programme, one of which was to extend direct entitlement to secondary benefits, which includes the Christmas bonus payments, to JI workers. This recommendation was implemented with effect from April 2000. The Deputy should note, however, that only workers entitled to secondary benefits prior to commencing the JI programme will be eligible for these benefits and the general restrictions with regard to total household income will continue to apply.
JI workers in receipt of revenue job assist in 1999, which also carries an entitlement to secondary benefits, would also have had an entitlement to a Christmas bonus payment for that year. The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs has indicated that it will examine any particular case the Deputy may have in mind and arrange for any arrears to be paid.
As advised by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, persons in receipt of unemployment benefit are not entitled to the full secondary benefit package, and consequently are not eligible to claim rent and mortgage interest supplement, the national fuel scheme and the Christmas bonus. However, with effect from April this year unemployed persons may opt for the unemployment payment most beneficial to them, that is, unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance, which may include secondary benefits.
The conditions attaching to the payment and retention of secondary benefits is a matter for the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs and I have no function in the matter.
