John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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564. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the criteria in place when it comes to awarding the Christmas bonus in to the long-term unemployed in circumstances in which, after much time unemployed, a person takes up a course or a scheme and is then disqualified from receiving the Christmas bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46845/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I was pleased to announce on Budget Day that a 100% Christmas Bonus will be paid to some 1.2 million long-term social welfare recipients, including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and the long-term unemployed, in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on their social welfare payments for all or most of their income. This is an increase from the 85% Bonus paid in 2017 and 2016.

As with previous years, jobseekers qualify for the Christmas bonus after 15 months duration on their payment.

Where a long-term unemployed jobseeker takes up a course through the Back to Education Allowance scheme, it is possible to fulfil the 15 months duration criteria and qualify for a Bonus payment through the combined time on the jobseeker's payment and Back to Education Allowance.

While the payment of a Bonus for those in receipt of a training allowance is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister of Education and Skills, the same principle applies for long-term jobseekers who take up an education or training course and are in receipt of a training allowance.

Furthermore, all participants of employment programmes such as Community Employment, the Rural Social Scheme and Tús qualify for the Bonus. Accordingly, jobseekers who take part in these programmes will all receive the Bonus payment.

If the Deputy is aware of any particular case that he is concerned about, I would encourage him to bring it to the attention of my Department.