Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The programme for Government and the economic recovery plan include commitments to consider a pay-related jobseeker's benefit scheme. This would bring Ireland in line with the majority of other EU member states. The core rationale for the introduction of a pay-related benefit is twofold. First, to recognise and cushion people against the income shock that arises on loss of employment and, second, to provide a tangible return to people who make social insurance contributions.

The need for such a pay-related system became very evident during the Covid emergency leading to the introduction of the pandemic unemployment payment and the employment wage subsidy scheme. I published a straw-man document in December 2022 that sets out the broad parameters of a possible approach to a pay-related jobseeker's benefit scheme. It is not a final design. The objective of the straw-man document is to elicit feedback through a national consultation process to develop a preferred policy design. Written submissions have been received from more than 80 individuals and 32 stakeholder groups. My Department hosted a stakeholder event in Dublin in February, which I addressed. In addition, a series of individual bilateral meetings between Department officials and selected stakeholder organisations has just concluded.

I am very appreciative of the level of engagement with the consultation process by the general public and stakeholder groups. Generally, there is support for the concept of a pay-related benefit for jobseekers, with some concerns and issues raised, as one would expect. Officials in my Department are currently analysing all feedback received through the consultation process. This will inform the design of a proposal, which I intend to bring to Government for consideration in the coming months.

See this speech in context