The three-day rule covering availability for work with regard to the Jobseeker's Allowance was criticised in the Seanad by Independent Katherine Zappone.

She said a person who worked for three full days a week was entitled to payment for two days of Jobseeker’s Allowance, whereas somebody working for one or two hours a day for five days a week was not entitled to any payment.

“Is it not reasonable and fair that a person who works eight hours a week should be considered to have worked the equivalent of a full day and is entitled to four days of Jobseeker’s payment?’’ Ms Zappone asked.

She said the three-day rule regarding part-time work simply did not correspond to the reality of people’s lives. “This is largely a women’s issue, although I understand it impacts on men as well.”

Minister of State Ann Phelan, on behalf of Tánaiste Joan Burton, said it was a qualifying condition that a person must be fully unemployed for four in any period of seven consecutive days, so a person working more than three days a week would not qualify.

“It is recognised that a changing labour marked has resulted in a move away from the more traditional work patterns, resulting in an increase in the number of persons employed for less than a full week.’’

She said it was an important policy issue for the Department of Social Protection, but any changes to the current criteria could have significant cost implications for the Jobseeker's schemes. She added that another issue to note would be the effect of any change on labour market practices.