I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 150, inclusive, together.
The Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance schemes provides income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find full time employment. These statutory schemes allow individuals to work up to 3 days a week and still retain access to a reduced Jobseeker’s payment.
Jobseeker's Benefit is paid for up to 9 months (or 234 days) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid. It is paid for up to 6 months (or 156 days) for people with fewer than 260 PRSI contributions paid.
It is a fundamental feature of a range of the Department's benefit payments, including Jobseekers Benefit, that the payment is time limited. Time limits apply across a range of PRSI related schemes such as maternity benefit and illness benefit.
Where a person exhausts their entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit, they may be eligible for support under the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme. The Department will contact the Jobseekers recipient in advance of the expiry date of their claim to advise them that their entitlement is due to expire and that they should make an application for Jobseekers Allowance. They will also be provided with an application form for Jobseekers Allowance.
Jobseekers Allowance has no duration limit as long as a person meets the qualifying scheme conditions including the means test.
It should be noted also that employers may avail of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme operated by Revenue for employers to support job retention. The scheme provides a subsidy to qualifying employers who keep staff on the payroll. Employees who are on the scheme who are temporarily on reduced hours may be entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Short time Work Support for days they are not remunerated.
The wide ranging nature of the assistance available to those impacted by Covid -19 constitutes a comprehensive suite of supports. On that basis I believe there are sufficient supports available at this time.