Jobseeker's Benefit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Ceisteanna (179)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

179. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the annual cost to the State of extending jobseeker's benefit from nine months to 12 months; of increasing payments to those with less than 260 pay-related social insurance contributions from six months to nine months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19939/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Based on current recipient numbers the estimated full-year cost of increasing the duration of jobseeker’s benefit to 12 months for recipients with 260 or more contributions paid is €33 million, and to 9 months for recipients with less than 260 contributions paid is some €6 million. Combined this equates in a full year to approximately €39 million.