Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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2019. To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 30 May 2017, the average processing time for seasonal educational workers that are employed on a temporary basis and that have previously been in contact with her Department to receive their jobseeker's payment; her plans to examine if there is a more efficient method by which such workers could receive their payment when their employment ceases for the summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27260/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The average processing times in May for jobseekers benefit was 1 week and 2 weeks for jobseekers allowance. There are no separate statistics held for seasonal workers. 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 payment 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.