Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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540. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the measures taken by her Department to allow those who avail of temporary work opportunities to return to social welfare protection in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36819/13]

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 or training (up to 8 weeks), arrangements are now in place to simplify the process of returning to the live register at the end of this period.

In these cases, instead of closing the claim, payment is suspended temporarily for the duration of the work or training course. When the person signs on again after the period of work or training, the claim can be reactivated without delay and payment restored.

Where a person accepts an offer of short term temporary work or training it is important that they advise the local office in advance of the expected duration so that the process I describe is put in place.