Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

834. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he has plans to introduce a special scheme that would provide social protection for maritime/fishing sector workers, similar to that available in Spain. [24452/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is my understanding that what the deputy is referring to is the Special Scheme for Sea Workers that exists in Spain. This scheme is administered by that country's Social Marine Institute and includes coverage across a variety of social and health care benefits for persons engaged in a wide range of maritime and fishing activities. The special scheme includes unemployment benefits similar to those available generally to workers.

While sectoral interventions for this sector along the lines of that proposed are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, my department operates a number of income supports which are available to those while working in the fishing sector.

My Department provides a Fish Assist support which is available to self-employed fishers on a low income under the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme and is based on the conditions around the Farm Assist scheme. One of the key differences applied to self-employed fishers compared to other self-employed workers is the favourable treatment of income through additional disregards. Under this scheme, gross income derived from self-employment is assessed at 70% and there are additional disregards in respect of dependent children. In addition, secondary benefits, such as Fuel Allowance may be payable from the start of the claim, subject to satisfying the relevant conditions.

A person engaged in shared fishing may be eligible for Jobseeker's Benefit for temporary periods depending on specific circumstances. Share fishers who are classified as self-employed and who are already paying PRSI at Class S may pay a Class P contribution. Persons who pay PRSI at Class P may qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit for up to a maximum 78 days in any calendar year.

In addition, the Rural Social Scheme provides income support for those engaged in farming and fishing who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments.

Where an person fully loses or ceases their employment, they may be entitled to support under the new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme or if self-employed, under the Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) scheme depending on the circumstances and their PRSI contribution record.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.