Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27853/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Where a person states that they have found work, it is normal practice for a jobseeker claim to be closed. However, in cases where the customer is taking up a short period of temporary work (up to 4 weeks) or training (up to 8 weeks), arrangements are now in place to simplify the process of signing off and back on at the end of this period. In these cases, instead of closing the claim, the local office temporarily suspends payment for the duration of the work or training. When the person signs on again after the period of work or training, the claim can be reactivated very quickly and payment restored within a few days. It is important for the customer to make clear to the local office in advance that the work is expected to last for up to 4 weeks only or 8 weeks in the case of training.