Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
22. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reduce the number of PRSI contributions needed to qualify for pay-related jobseekers' benefit in order that more young workers can avail of it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25408/24]
View answerI secured Government approval last month to proceed with legislation for a new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit Scheme. The Second Stage of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, which sets out the legislative frame for the new scheme, was read in the Dáil on 30 May.
The Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit will be available to newly fully unemployed persons who have a strong and recent attachment to the labour market.
(1) In order to qualify for the benefit, a person must have at least 104 employment contributions in the period since entering insurance, at least 4 employment contributions in the 10 weeks immediately prior to the date the application for benefit is made; and at least 26 employment contributions in the 52 weeks immediately prior to the first week for which they are claiming benefit.
The weekly rate of payment for people who have at least 5 years paid PRSI contributions will be 60% of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450, for the first 3 months. The rate will change to 55% of earnings subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 3 months. A further 3 months will be paid at the rate of 50% up to a maximum €300.
For persons who have between 2 and 5 years contributions, the rate will be 50% of previous earnings, subject to a weekly maximum of €300 and 6 months' duration.
The introduction of the Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit will ensure that people with a strong work history receive enhanced benefits if they lose their employment and strengthens the contributory principle which is key to the social insurance system.
I am satisfied that the contribution conditions for the new scheme are appropriate. In order to qualify for the existing Jobseeker's Benefit, a person must have at least 104 contributions since entering insurance, similar to the requirement for the pay-related scheme.
My Department is working on the necessary arrangements to facilitate the introduction of the scheme towards the end of this year.
I am committed to supporting and improving the capacity of people to take up employment, education and training opportunities.
I launched the updated Pathways to Work last month which includes a commitment to re-launch and deliver activities under the Employment & Youth Engagement Charter with a target of signing up 300 employers and benefiting 1,000 jobseekers from priority groups, including young people.
I trust this clarifies the situation for the Deputy.
