Michael Ring
Ceist:256 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason jobseeker’s allowance has been cut in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24263/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 9 June 2010
Ceisteanna (256, 257)
Freagraí scríofa
The person concerned is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance of €200 per week with effect from 31 July 2009. This comprises a personal rate of €100 and a qualified adult dependant rate of €100. As Mr. Collins was not in receipt of a jobseeker's allowance in April 2009, the Budgetary changes for new claimants are relevant in his case.
John Deasy
Ceist:257 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance can be allowed to travel abroad to seek employment in the same way as those in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24297/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU Regulations, while a person on jobseeker's benefit may retain payment for a period while seeking work in another EU country, it is not possible to transfer jobseeker's allowance in the same way. Jobseeker's allowance is listed by EU Regulation 883/2004 as a special non-contributory cash benefit and, as a result, it is paid "exclusively in the Member State in which the persons concerned reside, in accordance with its legislation". A jobseeker's allowance customer, to retain his or her payment, is therefore required to remain in the State.
Locally, however, arrangements may be made between a local office and a person on jobseeker's allowance, permitting the person to travel abroad for a job interview or short holiday.