Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

682. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when jobseeker's benefit will be extended to self-employed persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12157/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In Budget 2019, I announced a new scheme which will provide a PRSI insurance based benefit to self-employed people who pay class S contributions and lose employment. This measure builds on other recent significant improvements for the self-employed such as access to invalidity pension and treatment benefits. It is part of the Government’s aim of creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, including providing an income safety net to employees and self-employed alike.

Applicants will have to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the new scheme including satisfying a PRSI contribution requirement. The statutory conditions and requirements for the scheme are being worked through by officials at this time as part of the legislative process and the measure will be introduced towards the end of this year.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.