Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if it is the policy of her Department to withhold social welfare payments, such as JobSeeker's Allowance, to non-Irish born residents until they have completed English language courses; if it is the policy of her Department to make attending English language courses a condition of receiving a JobSeeker's Allowance; and if so, the legislative and / or policy basis for such decisions. [17856/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Jobseeker's Allowance is payable to persons who are aged over 18 and under 66 years of age and who are:

-Unemployed;

-Capable of work;

-Available and genuinely seeking work;

-Satisfy a means test; and

-Meet the Habitual Residence Condition

It is not conditional for a person to have English language proficiency in order to receive Jobseekers Allowance. However, in some instances as part of the completion of an agreed personal progression plan (PPP) with a Departmental case officer, it may be appropriate for a jobseeker to undertake English language training in order to enhance their prospects of securing employment.