Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection what the new pay-related jobseeker’s benefit will mean for workers (details supplied) who sign on for jobseeker’s benefit during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10034/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit is a new social insurance income support which will replace the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme for people who become fully unemployed from 31st March 2025. Pay-related benefit means that a person's rate of payment will be linked to their previous earnings, subject to maximum and minimal rates. Government has provide almost €160 million for the scheme in 2025.

People whose employment involves a recurring pattern of employment and unemployment reflecting the academic year can continue to claim the PRSI-based insurance Jobseeker's Benefit or the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance for periods when they are out of work. There is no change to the income supports to which such persons are entitled to claim during school breaks. Jobseeker's Benefit is being retained for part-time, casual, short-time, seasonal workers and those whose employment is based around the academic year.

A person can apply for the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme if it is more beneficial, taking their individual circumstances into account.

I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.