63. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the actions he plans on taking for those who have been working to date this year as reserves in the Defence Forces, and are now being left without certainty regarding income as they do not have the necessary PRSI contributions to qualify for jobseekers benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46151/26]

Matters relating to the terms and conditions for members of the Reserve Defence Force are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Defence. I understand that membership of the Reserve Defence Force is a part-time voluntary role that can be carried out alongside a person's normal employment.

Reservists who undertake up to 21 days paid training are considered as Class M for Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI) purposes and therefore have no PRSI liability. For those who undertake more than 21 consecutive days training, they are liable to pay PRSI under Class H.

Class H contributions can be used to qualify for the social insurance-based Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit and Jobseeker's Benefit schemes, and can be combined with other qualifying contributions to meet the contribution requirements for these schemes.

Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit is available to those who are fully unemployed and who meet the contribution and other requirements of the scheme. Jobseeker's Benefit is available to those who are working on a part-time, casual, short-time or seasonal basis who meet the contribution and other requirements of the scheme.

If a person does not have enough contributions for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit, they may be entitled to the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.