Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who received jobseeker's benefit since January 2008; the number of people who received the payment for the same period in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12108/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who received jobseeker's allowance since January 2008; the number of people who received the payment for the same period in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12107/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 129 together.

At the beginning of January 2008, there were 90,063 people signing for Jobseeker's Allowance. The number has increased by 8,574 to 98,637 at 21st March 2008. The comparative figures for 2007 were 84,122 at the beginning of January increasing by 991 to 85,113 at 23rd March 2007.

At the beginning of January 2008, there were 70,647 people signing for Jobseeker's Benefit. The number has increased by 16,678 to 87,325 at 21st March 2008. The comparative figures for 2007 were 61,523 at the beginning of January increasing by 372 to 61,895 at 23rd March 2007.

The figures reflect a substantial increase in the number of people on the Live Register in the 12 months to 21 st March 2008. The increase in the numbers on Jobseeker's Benefit which is short-term in nature and based on paid PRSI contributions, was almost double that for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance.

My Department, through its Employment Support Services and in conjunction with other agencies, continues to assist persons on the Live Register to make the transition to work, education or relevant training. Under the National Employment Plan, people who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by my Department and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or offer of training. A significant measure available to eligible long-term unemployed people is my Department's Back to Work Allowance scheme which allows them to retain part of their social welfare payment for a period when they take up employment or self-employment.

Other measures include the Back to Education Allowance scheme, the Technical Assistance and Training grants and the PRSI Exemption Scheme. In addition, the Activation and Family Support Programme and the Second Chance Education Opportunities Scheme offer supports to social welfare customers and other disadvantaged persons to assist them in improving their employability and personal and family situations.