Written answers

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Department of Social Protection

Unemployment Benefits

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of weeks holiday persons with a disability who are on unemployment benefit are entitled to; if their benefit is deducted from them if they are abroad for five weeks or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38986/15]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. The 2015 Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseekers’ schemes of €3.01 billion.

Jobseeker customers can take up to two weeks paid holidays per calendar year. Jobseekers are entitled to payment in respect of their claim (including dependants where applicable) for the holiday period without being subject to the normal conditions of the scheme. These holidays may be taken abroad.

The claimant is required to inform the Intreo Centre two weeks in advance of their departure and to complete relevant forms. The jobseeker schemes are paid weekly in arrears with the customer certifying that they did satisfy the conditions of the scheme. Where a customer avails of the holiday option, payment continues to be in arrears, with the customer presenting to their Intreo Centre on return from holidays to have their payment for the holiday period issued. If a person goes on holiday for longer than 2 weeks, they may be paid in respect of the first two weeks, but are disqualified for any payment for time spent abroad in excess of this.

Recipients of certain schemes, for example Illness Benefit and Carer’s Allowance can continue to receive their payment during an absence from the State for the purpose of receiving medical treatment (or accompanying a person receiving medical treatment). This however does not apply to jobseeker’s payments.

Recipients of some schemes, including jobseeker’s payments, are not disqualified for time spent abroad in excess of 2 weeks in respect of any period during which they are representing Ireland at an international sporting event in an amateur capacity. There is no limit on the amount of time that a person may spend abroad engaged in such a sporting activity, but only periods of actual competition are covered. Training abroad is not covered, except in respect of final preparation and acclimatisation immediately preceding the competition.

An international event in this context means a competition such as the Olympics, Special Olympics, Paralympics, World or European competitions where the participants are formally representing their countries.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.