Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 14, after line 18, to insert the following:“Report on jobseeker’s allowance calculation

20. The Minister for Employment and Social Protection shall, within eight months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay a report before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the possible introduction of an hours versus days approach to calculation of entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance payment including an examination of the potential to support the building of labour market attachment for those balancing employment with caring responsibilities.”.

On Second Stage I highlighted my concern about the way availability for work is calculated to the Minister. People may well be seeking full-time employment. However, if they are offered a two hour job, for example, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon for five days a week, they face the danger that by simply taking the job they will be marked as being fully employed. Again, my query concerns the notion of full-time availability. The provision does not exclusively affect women but persons who have caring responsibilities. If such people get a full-time job they may be able to afford child care. If they accept a part-time job that involves a small number of hours worked across a few days then carers can find themselves falling into a trap and in a bind. Part-time work can close off opportunities to build labour market attachments, working relationships, etc. My amendment seeks to address the question of hours versus days and seeks to ensure we support people in a more effective manner in availing of part-time on their way to full-time work.