Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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350. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on policy matters raised by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51109/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned receives Jobseeker's Benefit of €311.10 a week. This rate consists of a personal rate of €220.00, €49.10 tapered Increase for Qualified Adult and €42.00 Increase for a Qualified Child under 12 years of age. A tapered Increase for Qualified Adult Rate was applied based on his partner's income. As part of Budget 2024, I have secured increases in these payments from January 2024.

I have also secured provision for a Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers to be introduced in late 2024, subject to further Government approval of the scheme. This would link the rate of benefit to a person's previous earnings. The aim of a pay-related benefit scheme is to soften the income shock that a worker may face if they suddenly lose their job.

The Department provides two main payment options for its customers: payment in cash at post offices or payment directly into customer accounts by Electronic Fund Transfer. Customers are offered a choice of payment method for most Social Welfare schemes and their wishes are facilitated where they choose to receive their social welfare payment at a post office. For some social welfare schemes, the default method is by way of cash collection at a post office. For example, jobseeker's schemes, require a customer to prove that they are in the state and are available for work. This is the case in respect of Jobseeker's Benefit where the default method is at a post office.

I trust this clarifies the position for the deputy.