Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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149. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 576 of 24 June 2025, if consideration was given to the application of the new jobseeker’s pay-related benefit to claimants with open existing jobseeker's benefit claims; if not, the reason this was not considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36264/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme is available to those whose unemployment begins on or after 31 March as provided for in the Commencement Order and section 68KB(1)(d) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended.

People who became fully unemployed before 31 March will remain on Jobseeker's Benefit until they return to employment, or their benefit runs out, whichever is the earlier, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.

Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit represents a fundamental reform in social welfare policy. The qualifying conditions and payment structure, which results in an individualised rate based on recent earnings and PRSI contributions which is tapered at three monthly intervals, differ significantly from the structure of the existing Jobseeker's Benefit scheme. Qualification for Jobseeker's Benefit is based on the Governing Contribution Year which is two year's prior the year of the person's claim and payment is made at a consistent flat rate throughout the period of the claim.

In addition, specific categories of atypical workers are not eligible to Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit and continue to be supported under the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme. This includes those working on a part-time, casual, short-time or seasonal basis and for people whose employment involves a recurring pattern of employment and unemployment reflecting the academic year. The conditions for receipt of the Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme are not designed to provide in-work support on a recurring and intermittent basis.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.