Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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927.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to clarify the entitlements to a jobseeker's allowance payment to those employed as a retained firefighter with a county council on a part-time basis and who are paid a retainer fee for training and callouts; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34122/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Retained fire-fighters who are otherwise unemployed are entitled to a jobseeker’s payment in respect of days that they are engaged in fire-fighting or training, subject to the usual qualification conditions. They are also required to satisfy the statutory conditions for the receipt of a jobseeker’s payment of being available for and genuinely seeking full-time work.

To qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance, all jobseeker's must satisfy the qualifying conditions, including satisfying a means test. Means from employment, self-employment and capital are assessed in respect of the claimant and their spouse/partner or cohabitant, if applicable.

Part-time firefighters are entitled to a weekly rate (including days that they are engaged in firefighting or training) less any means that apply. All earnings from employment as a retained firefighter, except PRSI, Union Dues and Pension Contributions, are assessable as means. Where means are equal to, or in excess of the rate of payment, a person will not qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance.

It is open to any person who is not satisfied with their decision to appeal this to the independent Appeals Offices or alternatively, seek a review of the decision by an officer of a higher grade, with their local Intreo Office or Social Welfare Branch Office.

If the Deputy can provide further details of this particular case my Department will review the person's claim and will revert accordingly.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.