A wholly unemployed cross-border worker (or frontier worker to use EU social security terminology) can qualify for a contributory unemployment benefit in their country of residence.  In this instance that would be Jobseeker's Benefit in the south even though the person would not have been paying PRSI in the south.  They must still have sufficient National Insurance contributions in N. Ireland to satisfy the Irish contribution conditions for Jobseeker's Benefit, see www.citizensinformation.ie, Social Welfare, Jobseeker's Benefit.  People sometimes refer to a transfer of contributions although no actual transfer takes place.   The current rate of Jobseeker's Benefit is €204.30 per week and, subject to means-testing, there is scope for additional sums for a spouse/partner and children.   If the person did not qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit they may, again subject to means-testing, qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance in the south.