Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if persons who are constantly involved in crime may claim benefits all of the time, for example, if a drug dealer out on bail can claim social welfare benefits. [9402/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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As my department has outlined in previous correspondence to the deputy, persons awaiting trial may generally continue to satisfy the scheme conditions pertaining to the working age schemes, such as jobseeker's allowance, disability allowance and one-parent family payment. Disallowances under social welfare legislation apply in respect of periods of imprisonment but, as it is not the role of my department to presuppose the outcome of a trial, no specific restrictions apply in respect of persons on bail. There are no plans to change policy in this area.