Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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401. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if any directives have been given to Intreo staff on the way to deal with those aged 65 years respectfully in their transition from working to being in receipt of a pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56584/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I introduced the Benefit Payment for 65 Year olds last year under the Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed social insurance schemes to bridge the gap for people who retire at 65 but do not qualify for State Pension until they are aged 66.

A key feature of the payment is that recipients do not have to sign on or partake in activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work to avail of it.  Unlike other Jobseeker's Benefit customers who are paid at a graduated rate according to their previous earnings, recipients of this payment are paid at the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker's Benefit. 

Where a person does not meet the PRSI contribution requirements for receipt of Benefit Payment for 65 year olds, they may be eligible for the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance.

Intreo Centres offer a single point of contact to all our customers for employment and income supports.  To constantly improve service quality the Department, through its programme of Frontline Customer Service training, provides staff with communications and other skills to deliver a professional and customer focused service. 

A key principle for excellent customer service, as set out in my Department’s current Customer Service strategy is that we inform and respect customers through every part of their interaction with the Department.