Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes. When people come in for activation procedures introduced by the Department we sit them down in a group engagement and list for them all of the potential opportunities, ranging from education, training and work experience to employment. Subsequently, we offer people a tailored programme. One of the key points is that we have a response if somebody says: "Between myself and my family we are on a social welfare income of €500, but I am fearful of going back to work because I am afraid I will lose money." We can give them a detailed calculation of how much better off a person can be.

In the transitional phase of moving from unemployment to work it is really important to say to people when they start off and have to wait for something, perhaps for more hours or a wage increase, that in the interim period they will be supported. Personally, I think that is an excellent use of taxpayers' money. The evidence is that within a relatively short period most people's earnings improve through either more hours, overtime or weekend work, which all helps to raise their family income.