Some 40,000 people who get unemployment assistance from the State will no longer have to register at Garda stations under new arrangements to be introduced at the end of the year.
The Minister for Social Affairs, Mr Brennan, said represented "a further positive step in the modernisation of the Department".
Under the present system, in place since 1926, a person claiming unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance is required to "sign on" at a social welfare office or a Garda Station.
Those living more than six miles from the nearest social welfare office sign at their local Garda station.
Under the new arrangements, people living more than 10 miles away will self-certify every four weeks and attend the nearest social welfast office every 12 weeks.
Mr Brennan said that the new arrangements would be implemented on a phased basis from the end of the year. He said it was expected they will be fully in place by March next.
