Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with the Deputy's assertion. I will make two key points regarding the caps and the new benefits. Earnings are subject to a maximum of €450 for the first three months, the rate will reduce to 55%, subject to a maximum of €375, for the following three months, and a further three months will be paid at a rate of 50% to a maximum of €300. Those caps will ensure that the benefit is pushed down to those who are lower paid. As is the case with jobseeker's benefit at present, there will be situations, although a minority, where people will sometimes be financially better off, depending on what the benefits are, taking jobseeker's allowance rather the benefit. That could be the case for people with this new payment, although I expect it will be in a minority of situations.

See this speech in context