Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2018
67. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person claiming jobseeker's benefit or allowance that is 62 years of age or over is required to engage with the compulsory activation process; if not, if they are subject to penalty rates for non-engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26513/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseekers aged 62 or over are not selected for activation and are not subject to mandatory activation measures. Penalty rates do not apply in these circumstances. They may, of course, avail of employment supports on a voluntarily basis. Jobseekers, who are already engaged in activation and turn 62, are required to complete the process. Penalty rates may apply should they fail to continue to engage without good cause. When considering whether the application of a penalty rate is the appropriate course of action, a Deciding Officer of the Department considers the circumstances and facts in each case. Where a jobseeker is dissatisfied with the decision to apply a penalty rate, it is open to him / her to lodge an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
