Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
182. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a retained, part-time firefighter would have to leave the fire service to attain full-time employment in the event of being unable to obtain another part-time job as per their jobseeker's benefit agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRetained fire-fighters who are otherwise unemployed may make a claim for a jobseeker’s payment in respect of days of unemployment including those days they are engaged in fire-fighting or training, subject to the normal jobseeker's qualifying conditions. They are also required to satisfy the statutory conditions for the receipt of a jobseeker’s payment of being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
However, taking account of the unusual circumstances of retained fire-fighters, the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 carried amendments to both Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance that put the treatment of retained fire-fighters on a legislative basis. This legislation provided that when a retained fire-fighter is on call this will not result in a disallowance for a jobseeker’s payment on grounds of availability for full-time work.
In terms of genuinely seeking work, a retained fire fighter must be available for additional part-time employment within the 1.5 mile area and/or or suitable alternative full-time employment beyond it. All recipients of jobseekers payments, including retained fire fighters, should be prepared to accept full-time employment when and if such employment is obtained. The conditions that pertain to employment as a retained fire fighter are not a matter for my Department.
