Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
714. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will bring forward social welfare reforms to ensure that when people lose their jobs their welfare rate will reflect their previous salary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36549/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra778. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the plans to introduce enhanced jobseeker’s benefit based on previous income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37155/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
