Returning emigrants denied social welfare pay

THOUSANDS of Irish citizens forced to emigrate to find work will be barred from receiving any social welfare payments for two years, if they return to this country.

The Irish Examiner has learned that the diaspora created by the economic crisis will be unable to access 10 vital payments, including the jobseekers allowance, child benefit and disability allowances under welfare tourist rules.

Under the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) requirements, implemented by then social affairs minister Mary Coughlan on May 1, 2004, anyone who has not lived in Ireland for two years is unable to access social welfare payments on their return.