Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
454. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has examined the introduction of a graduated or phased reduction in jobseeker's payments based on duration of claim; if so, the details of any such examination, including costings and impact assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52913/26]
View answer455. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection whether any proposals have been considered by his Department within the past five years to alter rates of jobseeker's payments based on the length of time a claimant has been in receipt of the payment; and if he will provide details of any such proposals, reviews or assessments. [52914/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 455 together.
In March 2025, my Department introduced the social insurance-based Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme, which replaced the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme for people who became fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025. This significant reform brings Ireland into line with many other European countries where pay-related benefits are the norm.
The scheme provides an individualised rate of payment for qualifying persons based on recent earnings and PRSI contributions. For people who qualify for higher rates of payment due to their PRSI contributions, payment rates are tapered at three-monthly intervals over the duration of a claim.
People with five years PRSI contributions receive 60% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €450 for the first 13 weeks. After that, the rate reduces to 55% of earnings subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 13 weeks. A further 13 weeks is paid at the rate of 50% up to a maximum payment of €300. People with between two and five years paid contributions receive 50% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €300 per week for up to 26 weeks.
There are currently no proposals to introduce a graduated or phased reduction in the rate of payment based on the duration of a person's claim for the other jobseeker's schemes.
Under the other social insurance schemes for jobseekers, namely Jobseeker's Benefit, which is available for atypical workers such as part-time, casual and seasonal workers, and Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed), payment is made at a consistent flat rate throughout the duration of a claim, which is limited and based on previous contributions.
In line with other means-tested social assistance schemes, a person who qualifies for the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme may continue to receive payment for as long as they satisfy the relevant qualifying conditions and continue to meet the rules of the scheme.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
