Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
144. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans changing the system in which there is a euro per euro deduction in relation to payments of jobseeker’s allowance for those with self-employment outside of farming and fishing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34174/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency, such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person, and spouse/partner if applicable, applying for the relevant scheme. This reflects the expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or property are in a position to use that income, or to realise the value of the property, to support themselves without having to rely solely on a means-tested welfare payment.In general, earnings from employment are assessed as income across all of the Department's schemes. In the case of jobseekers allowance, a certain amount of income from employment or other sources is not assessed. This is known as an income disregard. Jobseekers allowance is a means tested income support which is available to people who are fully unemployed and to employees who are unemployed for at least 4 in every 7 days. It is also available to self-employed people who satisfy a means test. In the case of self-employed people there is an extensive list of expenses that can be offset against income from self-employment. Any changes to the means test is kept under review in a budgetary context.There are no plans to change the means test along the lines suggested by the Deputy.I trust that this clarifies the position.
