Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2026
26. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons combined who are actively claiming job seekers benefit, job seekers allowance and job-seekers pay related benefit; and if he will outline trends over the past five years such as whether more or less people are claiming unemployment-related social welfare this year compared to previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of people in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or Pay Related Benefit at the end of each year and end August 2026 are shown in the below table:
|
- |
Jobseekers Allowance |
Jobseekers Benefit* |
Pay Related Benefit |
Total |
|
2021 |
108,414
|
35,908
|
- |
144,322
|
|
2022 |
126,616
|
40,932
|
- |
167,548
|
|
2023 |
119,356
|
38,787
|
- |
119,356
|
|
2024 |
107,693
|
41,032
|
- |
148,725
|
|
2025 |
107,131
|
17,247
|
31,920
|
156,298
|
|
end August 2026 |
106,258
|
13,729
|
31,001
|
150,988
|
* Includes Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) and Short-Time Work Support.
Commensurate with the stability in numbers, the seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment estimate has been at or below 5 percent since January 2022. As of August 2026, it stands at 5 percent. This rate is conventionally considered to indicate full employment.
