Currently self-employed people are unable to claim jobseekers payments even if they are willing to make additional voluntary PRSI contributions.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “Currently entrepreneurs are reluctant to commit their time and money to starting up their own business as they are fearful of not having a safety net should they encounter any difficulties. I believe entrepreneurs should be given the support they need to bring about job creation, and this includes having a viable welfare safety net in place. Progress has been made on this in Budget 2017, but more work is needed.

“I firmly believe that self-employed people should be allowed to make additional voluntary contributions to enable them to access jobseekers payments if necessary. I have raised this matter with Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar but unfortunately to date he has been unwilling to make any clear commitments on this issue.

“Fianna Fáil will continue to push for a move towards a social welfare safety net by allowing self-employed people to make full Class A PRSI contributions in order to qualify for the Jobseekers Benefit. We need to have a social welfare system which caters for all people, including those who are self-employed. Expanding the social insurance scheme is vital for assisting start-up businesses and promoting job creation.”