Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
299. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made on proposed new legislation which would give workers who have been laid off a higher rate of jobseeker's allowance depending on their previous income in the period following their loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20146/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and the Economic Recovery Plan include commitments to consider a pay-related jobseeker’s benefit scheme. Pathways to Work further commits to using the experience from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to inform the design of such a scheme that may be developed. The introduction of a pay-related benefit for jobseekers would bring Ireland in line with the majority of EU Member States.
The core rationale for the introduction of a pay-related benefit which would align income support with a person’s prior recent employment income is twofold. First, to provide a tangible return to people who make social insurance contributions as a means of better reflecting the contributory principle and strengthening the solidarity principle, both of which are at the heart of the social insurance system. Second, to better cushion people against the ‘income shock’ that arises on loss of employment.
I published a Strawman document in December 2022 which sets out the broad parameters of a possible new approach to a pay-related jobseeker's benefit. The objective of the Strawman is to elicit feedback through a national public consultation process to develop a preferred policy design. The closing date for written submissions was 28th February and officials in my Department are currently in the process of analysing responses from that recently completed public consultation to inform the design of any proposal that may be brought to Government.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
