121. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the work his Department is doing to reduce the delays in processing jobseeker’s benefit claims for those who are early years educators during the summer holiday months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46144/26]

Educational Sector Workers (ESWs), including Early Years Educators, who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment. However, they must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment, including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.

My department has recently introduced improvements to the application process for Educational Sector Workers, including Early Years Educators. These enhancements include a new online application for ESWs to submit their jobseeker's claim through MyWelfare.ie, and improved claim processing.

ESWs can now self-declare the number of holiday days they will receive from their employer for the school break, directly as part of their online jobseeker’s application, without the need to have forms completed by their employer.  This change allows for decisions to be made in a more efficient and timely manner.

Alternatively, if a person does not wish to apply for a jobseeker’s payment online they can complete the new ESW 1 application form. This form has also been improved to ensure claims can be dealt with as quickly as possible.

These improvements have reduced delays in the processing of jobseeker's claims including those of Early Years Educators.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.