Jobseeker's Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Ceisteanna (1270)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

1270. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons on jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance, respectively, who have been placed on a penalty rate since 13 March 2020; the number of persons who have been placed on a penalty rate for failing to attend meetings requested by her Department or failing to participate in an appropriate employment support scheme, work experience or training, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6609/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

As part of the Department’s response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and in particular the social distancing measures introduced by Government all activation appointments were suspended from early March 2020.  The application of activation sanctions was temporarily suspended.

There have been no Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance customers placed on an activation penalty rate since 13 March 2020 to date.