Social Protection Committee to meet for pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Social Welfare (Pay-Related Social Insurance and Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Provisions) Bill 2024

Representatives from the Department of Social Protection will appear at the Committee.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Denis Naughten said: “The Department presented to the Committee last April on the Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit as part of an extensive consultation process undertaken on this proposal.

The General Scheme provides that the benefit will be payable for 9 months for those with over five years employment, in line with that under Jobseeker’s Benefit. Tapering of the 9-month payment is also included at 3 monthly intervals which will minimise the cliff-edge effect as benefit expires. The minimum rate of payment has increased to €125 per week, which is higher than that for Jobseeker’s Benefit.

The weekly rate of payment for people who have at least 5 years paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60% of previous gross earnings subject to a maximum of €450 for the first 3 months. After that, the rate will reduce 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 payment.

For persons who have between 2 and 5 years paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50% of previous gross earnings subject to a maximum of €300 per week for up to 6 months.

The Bill will also provide for the range of PRSI increases agreed by Government, in the context of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund and the Commission on Pensions. As well as covering the cost of the Pay-Related Benefit, these gradual and incremental increases will support the ongoing sustainability of pensions, including the retention of the State Pension age at 66 years.
The Committee is seeking the views of the public and interested parties on these proposals at spcri@oireachtas.ie

We look forward to sharing our views and that reflected in the submissions on the Heads of Bill with Department officials.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.