Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
455. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if jobseeker’s benefit will be extended for those unable to find employment due to Covid-19; the provisions available to those whose time on the benefit is drawing to an end who may not have been able to gain employment due to the pandemic and accompanying lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16601/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra463. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the duration of jobseeker’s benefit will be extended temporarily in order that persons who lost their jobs before Covid-19 can continue their claims at least until the period while special supports continue. [16710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 463 together.
The pandemic unemployment payment was introduced as an emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Government has set employment recovery as its top priority and the jobs stimulus package to be announced later this month will assist people back into work.
People who do not qualify for the pandemic unemployment payment can apply for a jobseekers payment. Jobseeker's benefit is a weekly payment to people who have lost their employment and who satisfy the scheme's statutory conditions including the requirement to have sufficient social insurance contributions paid. This benefit is paid for 9 months (234 days) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid and for 6 months (156 days) for people who have less than 260 paid. Where a person does not re-qualify or has used up their entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit they can apply for the means tested jobseeker’s allowance.
I trust this clarifies the position.
