Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
82. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase supports for fishermen and women and the fishing industry after the disastrous quota negotiations recently (details supplied). [2885/26]
View answerSectoral interventions for the fishing sector 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 this sector.
Fish Assist 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 on Jobseeker's Allowance 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. 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 individual's circumstances and their PRSI contribution record.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
