The first pay-related jobseekers benefit payments are being rolled out from today.
Workers who lose their job can now earn up to €450 per week – depending on how much they earned and paid in PRSI.
The maximum rate – calculated at 60% of previous earnings – applies for the first three months before gradually reducing.
This new scheme has been implemented by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary.
The Mayo TD spoke to Midwest Radio’s Tommy Marren this morning: