Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1520. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will issue guidelines that would allow staff members, such as classroom assistants and cleaners who work in schools but who claim social welfare over the summer holidays, to be able to resume their social welfare claim as soon as the school holidays start rather than putting them in a situation year on year that can force them to go without a payment while their claim is processing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35789/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 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 applyand payment is made from the 4^thday 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. Scheme areas are 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.