I propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 778 together.
The Programme for Government and the Economic Recovery Plan include commitments to consider a pay-related jobseeker's benefit scheme. Pathways to Work commits to using the experience from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to inform the design of such a scheme that may be developed.
I launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce a new Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers in December 2022. The aim of a pay-related benefit is to soften the income shock that a worker may face if they suddenly lose their job. The introduction of a pay-related benefit system would bring Ireland in line with its European neighbours and would represent a significant change to the Irish social welfare system. Its development will reflect upon the experiences of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment which demonstrated that a pay-related system can work.
The Department has undertaken an extensive consultation process and engagement with stakeholders on a potential design as to how a pay-related benefit system could work. This has enabled the sharing of ideas and views which will be essential to the development of a proposal for Government. The contributions of stakeholders are currently being reviewed and will inform the design of a proposal, which I intend to bring to Government.
I trust this clarifies the matter.