Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I secured Government approval last November for the design proposals for a new Jobseeker's Pay Related Benefit scheme and approval for the draft Heads of Bill on 9th January this year. The draft legislation is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny.

My Department is working on the necessary arrangements to facilitate the introduction of the scheme in quarter 4 of 2024.

People entering unemployment often do so with established financial and other commitments, so it is appropriate to provide a stronger short term ‘cushion’ against income shock while a person seeks new employment and adjusts their outgoings following a job loss.

The benefit will be available to newly unemployed employees who have a strong and recent attachment to the labour market. The weekly rate of payment for people who have at least 5 years paid PRSI contributions will be 60% of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450, for the first 3 months. The rate will change to 55% of earnings subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 3 months. A further 3 months will be paid at the rate of 50% up to a maximum €300.

For persons who have between 2 and 5 years paid contributions, the rate will be 50% of previous earnings, subject to a weekly maximum of €300 and 6 month’s duration.

I trust this clarifies the situation for the Deputy.