Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
383. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to regularise the working conditions of special needs school bus escorts, who are currently forced to sign on the dole for approximately 11 weeks a year, when schools are closed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9920/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the challenges faced by those who are employed as special needs bus escorts, in cases in which they are required to obtain social welfare support outside of school term as in the case of a person (details supplied); if she plans to request that the Intreo service improves and streamlines the system for claimants who work in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10001/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 415 together.
Educational sector workers, including special needs bus escorts, who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment. This includes completing the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation in a timely manner. Seasonal workers, including educational workers, should apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit as soon as they become unemployed. A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where the person is not being remunerated by their employer, including receipt of any holiday pay entitlement during the school break.
Educational sector workers who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
However, it is important to note that educational sector workers are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment and satisfy all the qualifying conditions for Jobseeker’s Benefit, including the 3 waiting days at the start of the claim if it does not link to a previous jobseeker's claim. As each claim is assessed individually, and each person's employment history, including previous claims, is different, the payment due will also be different.
Scheme areas are monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible.
The working conditions of special needs school bus escorts are a matter for the Minister for Education.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
