Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the proposed changes in the eligibility criteria for jobseeker's benefit as set out in Budget 2012; when it is envisaged that these proposed changes will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32459/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Budget 2012 provided for a change in payment week for jobseeker's benefit. Where a benefit recipient is working part-time or in casual employment their benefit entitlement will be calculated with reference to a 5 day, rather than a 6 day, week. In line with other Budget measures the effect of this measure will not impact on any person whose sole income is from social welfare. It will only apply to those who have earned additional income from working some days during the week.

The effect of this measure will be to reduce the contribution from jobseeker's benefit to the weekly amount of total income and help towards a reduction in the reliance on the welfare system among those who currently avail of a mix of welfare and earned income. As a savings measure, the change will reduce costs within the jobseeker's benefit scheme but the scheme will continue to deliver incentives towards additional employment for part-time and casual workers. It is important to note that the measure applies to jobseeker's benefit only and that recipients of jobseeker's benefit may opt for jobseeker's allowance, which is subject to a means test. This measure will be implemented from 26 July 2012.

The Budget also provided for the inclusion of Sunday working when calculating the amount of jobseeker's benefit/allowance payable. This measure is due to be implemented in 2013.