Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
79. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on Intreo offices having the right to make recipients of social welfare payments take up employment outside of their chosen profession or vocation; and her further views of whether it negates the ability of a person to pursue their chosen profession. [8044/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for a jobseeker’s payment, a person must satisfy certain conditions including being available for and genuinely seeking work.
A recently unemployed person would be regarded as available where they are seeking to become re-employed in their usual employment, provided there is a reasonable prospect of this. However, if it is the case that there are limited employment opportunities within their chosen profession or vocation in a local area, a person would be expected to broaden their search either to a wider area or to other types of employment. For a person to be considered as genuinely seeking work they must demonstrate that they are making genuine efforts to secure employment.
In this regard, my Department provides opportunities for jobseekers to upskill and to avail of back to education and other training opportunities in order to enhance their opportunities to return to work.
Case officers in my Department engage with jobseekers and work with them to agree a personal progression plan and support them in order to avail of all reasonable training and employment opportunities offered to them.
I trust this clarifies this matter for the Deputy.
