Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the implementation time frame of the Budget 2013 changes to jobseeker's benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4092/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Jobseeker's benefit (JB) is a weekly payment to people out of work and covered by social insurance. If a person does not qualify for JB they may qualify for means tested jobseeker's allowance. In 2012 my Department spent over €738 million on the scheme and at the end of 2012 there were some 85,000 persons in receipt of payment under the scheme. Budget 2013 provided that the duration for which JB is paid will be reduced from 12 months to 9 months for recipients with 260 or more contributions paid and from 9 months to 6 months for recipients with less than 260 contributions paid.

It is planned to introduce the measure from 3 April, 2013. Existing claimants of over 6 months who are entitled to a full year of benefit will not be affected by this measure when it comes into effect – they will still get a full year of benefit. Only new claimants and claimants of less than 6 months duration will be affected. Similarly, existing claimants of over 3 months who are entitled to nine months of benefit will not be affected by this measure when it comes into effect – they will still get nine months of benefit. Only new claimants and claimants of less than 3 months duration will be affected.