Speaking on his way into cabinet this morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris said it is "common sense" that there are penalties for those on jobseekers allowance who do not engage in employment services. "The Minister for Social Protection will take legislation to the Seanad, the Social Welfare Bill, and included in that is again a common sense measure to make sure that our social welfare system is compassionate but also that people have to play ball," the Taoiseach said. Ms Humphreys introduced the ­significant change in welfare policy in the Social Welfare Bill which was voted through the Dáil by coalition TDs. This year, around 4,000 people had their payments reduced for failing to properly engage with state employment services. Reduced rates are only applied if a jobseeker does not engage with the State’s employment services.

Source: Irish Independent October 22, 2024 08:34 UTC