Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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316. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he has considered streamlining the process by which seasonal workers apply for unemployment benefit. [26008/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department administers over 70 different schemes and services and it is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. One of the main priorities for the Department is to build on achievements already made to integrate services into a new service delivery model and streamline the applications process for all schemes.

In general, there is no delay in processing jobseeker benefit claims in Intreo Centres if the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation are completed, as required by the customer, in a timely manner.

Seasonal workers should apply for jobseeker’s benefit as soon as they become unemployed. Initially, when a person makes an application for jobseeker’s benefit, 3 waiting days apply and payment is made from the 4th day of the claim. If, however, a person makes a repeat claim for jobseeker’s benefit within 26 weeks of their previous claim, the repeat claim links to the earlier claim and no waiting days apply.

School educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises. However, it is important to note that educational sector workers are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment.

I want to assure the Deputy that prompt processing of all claims remains a priority for my Department. Each scheme area is monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.