James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been waiting over five months for their jobseeker's allowance; when they will receive same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28136/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A claim for Jobseeker's Benefit from the person concerned was received in the Department on 29 th of January 2009. There is a discrepancy in his contribution record for 2007 and enquiries are being made with his former employer. A decision on his entitlement to jobseeker's benefit will be made as soon as these enquiries are completed and the current PRSI contributions applicable is determined.

In the meantime, it is open to the person concerned to apply for job seekers allowance. The person concerned is in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance from their local Health Service Executive Community Welfare Officer since 12 March 2009 at a weekly rate of €237.90.

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of former professional apprentices who are claiming jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit, the amount that has been paid out to these people every month for the past year; and the amount that is expected to be paid out to such people by the end of 2009. [28151/09]

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of former professional apprentices who are claiming jobseeker's allowance of jobseeker's benefit on a county basis. [28152/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 370 together.

Applicants for a jobseeker's payment are assigned a code based on their previous occupation. This code identifies a person's trade or profession, for example painter, printer or teacher. However, the Department does not have a specific code for apprentices and as a result the information requested by the Deputy is not available.