Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an individual who is currently receiving carer’s allowance and a child increase for two children will now be dropped down to the half-rate carer’s allowance and their child increase taken away once they go on the maternity benefit; if he can justify a reported net loss of €230 a week and €8,050 over the 35-week period while the individual is receiving the maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8466/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the situation he describes of a person experiencing a net reduction in income from the Department will not arise. In fact in the situation set out the person concerned will receive an increase in total weekly payments from the Department.

The purpose of weekly payments made by the Department are to provide an income support for people experiencing specific contingencies that limit their ability to earn an income through employment. These contingencies include unemployment, illness, disability, and caring responsibilities, as well as maternity leave.

In general where a person experiences two or more contingencies at the same time, they receive one payment - the higher of the available payments. This is because the loss of employment earnings does not increase; a person with one contingency that means they cannot work experiences the same loss of income as person with multiple contingencies.

One such exception is half-rate Carer’s Allowance where a person can retain half of their carers payment while also claim another full-time payment.

In the scenario raised by the Deputy, the carer may be eligible for the full weekly rate of Maternity Benefit currently at €289, as well as a Half-rate Carer’s Allowance at €130 for those aged under 66 and caring for one person.

In such circumstances, a carer would go from receiving a payment of €260 per week to receiving €419 per week. This is an increase per week of €159 or €5,565 over the 35-week period while they are receiving maternity benefit. There would be no decrease.

In addition, the carer retains their Child Support Payments. These are paid with Maternity Benefit, at a rate of €50 per week for any children under 12 or €62 per week for children 12 or over. They may also be entitled to an Increase for a Qualified Adult at a weekly rate of €162 for the duration of their maternity leave.

It’s important to note that some employers will continue to pay an employee, in full, while the employee is on maternity leave. In such cases, the Maternity Benefit is mandated to the employer. An employee’s contract of employment will outline the employer’s financial contribution to the employee for the maternity leave.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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118. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his proposals to ensure that part-time workers unable to submit jobseeker’s allowance declarations in emergency circumstances do not see payments delayed, as occurred recently during storm Éowyn. [8620/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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People who work part-time and who are in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment can confirm their working pattern either through an online channel or by submitting weekly paper dockets to their Intreo Centre or Branch Office. Many people opt to confirm their working pattern through the online channel. However, if there is disruption to various services, including internet, due to a national emergency situation, the person has the option to call into their local Intreo Centre or Branch office, where a paper declaration of the person’s working pattern can be recorded.

If the person is unable to travel or the office cannot open, they can telephone the National Intreo Contact Centre who will be able to support the person. Finally, if any person experiences unintended disruption to their payment, the Community Welfare Service of my Department is equipped to assist with emergency financial supports.

If the Deputy is aware of any cases impacted by the recent storms please send details to my Department, and these cases will be followed up.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.