Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2011
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the rate of jobseeker’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4926/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was awarded jobseeker's allowance at the weekly rate of €14.80. This consisted of a personal rate of €188.00 plus €124.80 qualified adult allowance less weekly means of €298.00 in respect of his partner's earnings.
The jobseeker's allowance claim is currently suspended as he is attending a FÁS course.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when jobseeker’s allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4927/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned will be contacted by an inspector within the next two weeks to finalise an assessment of his means. He will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
132 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason spouses of those who receive disability allowance who are not in receipt of a payment in their own right cannot avail of community employment places as is the case for all other social welfare payment recipients whose spouse can avail of the offer of a community employment scheme placement; if this is discriminatory; and her views on same. [4928/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn unemployed person who qualifies for the Community Employment (CE) programme under dependant Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or Farm Assist but who does not wish to join CE, may be able to transfer eligibility to his/her spouse. In this regard, qualified adult dependants of eligible persons aged 25 and over, may avail of the Spousal Swap option. This involves the person and their dependant exchanging places, the dependant inheriting the age and entitlements of the eligible person, and ensuring that no losses are incurred in their relative entitlements as a result of this exchange.
As the eligibility criteria for Community Employment are currently implemented, the position for Spousal Swaps for those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or Farm Assist differ from Disability Allowance given the intrinsic link between the disability payments and the claimant. It is also unlikely that any financial advantage would result to a claimant in receipt of Disability Allowance as the earnings disregard would not be applied to their spouse's income given that the rehabilitative nature of the employment can only apply to the claimant.
