The age-related jobseeker’s allowance rate of €112.70 generally applies to young jobseekers aged 18-24 to incentivise them to engage in education or training which will improve their chances of obtaining full time sustainable employment. Where a young jobseeker participates in education or training they can receive the maximum weekly personal rate of up to €203. In addition where a young jobseeker participates in the Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS), a voluntary work experience programme for18-24 years olds who are long-term unemployed or face barriers to employment, they can receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20. This scheme continues to be available despite the current restrictions of movement and arrangements for social distancing.
The full year cost of increasing the weekly rate of €112.70 by €45.15 per week to €157.85 for young persons under 25 years of age on the age-related reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance, based on the existing number of recipients, would be approximately €35 million.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.