Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his question. The programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a new working-age payment to simplify and address those inconsistencies in payment arrangements, which face people who return to work from a jobseeker's payment. An outline of the proposed approach was published as part of the consultation process on the introduction of a new pay-related benefit. I am particularly pleased to say that was introduced at the start of April. I acknowledge the considerable work of the Department of Social Protection in getting that over the line.

We are proceeding to develop a more detailed consultation process on the working-age payment model. I will launch this consultation later this year. In the meantime, a number of arrangements are in place to incentivise and encourage people in receipt of the jobseeker's allowance scheme to take up work or to engage in training and development programmes to prepare for work. First, a person in receipt of jobseeker's allowance is allowed to work for up to three days per week and continue to receive a partial payment. The first €20 of earnings per day is disregarded with the balance of income assessed at 60%. A person can also retain secondary benefits, such as fuel allowance, subject to meeting the relevant means test. Second, under the back to work family dividend scheme, people taking up full-time employment retain the child support element of their payment for two years. The first year is paid at the full rate and the second year is paid at 50%, which means that they receive an in-work welfare payment to supplement employment earnings. Third, people in receipt of jobseeker's allowance can opt to return to education and training, or to move into self-employment, and continue to receive a welfare payment. For the full duration of their training or education course, they receive the full rate of payment. If they take up self-employment, they receive a full payment rate for the first year and 75% for the second year.

Jobseekers who take up a work placement programme, community employment or Tús placements, also receive an increase in their payment rate and can continue to receive any secondary benefits. In addition, the Department supports employment transitions through the part-time job incentive scheme, which facilitates part-time employment for up to 24 hours per week, and through the working family payment.

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