Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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402. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has any plans to extend the part-time job incentive beyond the current 12-month eligibility period (details supplied); if there is currently any discretion in the local offices to have the period extended; if she will acknowledge that where employers do not offer additional hours following the end of the part-time job incentive payments it can be difficult for people to manage on the reduced income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41278/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Part-time Job Incentive Scheme (PTJI) is an administrative scheme under Jobseeker's Allowance, which allows those who are long-term unemployed to take up part-time employment for up to 24 hours per week. Those who qualify receive a payment of either €147 or €239.90 if they are receiving an increase for a qualified adult. The rates are increasing to €154.60 and €252.10 respectively from January 2025. Participants can retain their PTJI no matter how much they earn from their part time employment.

The PTJI provides a stepping stone to full time employment as participants must continue to be actively seeking full-time work. The scheme is not designed to supplement part-time employment on a permanent basis and is generally awarded for one year but may be extended for up to 12 weeks in exceptional circumstances to support the transition from part-time to full-time employment.

The Department's local Employment Advisors are available to provide advice on job searching and employment opportunities, and assistance in accessing other employment supports and services, including training and development opportunities.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.