Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2017
81. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the report into the effects of the cuts to jobseekers' payments on those aged under 26 years of age; when he expects the report to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25764/17]
View answerThe National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM) is undertaking a piece of research at the moment which is examining the effectiveness of the reduced rates in encouraging young jobseekers to avail of education, training, employment programmes and opportunities. My Department has not commissioned the NUIM to undertake this research, rather, as part of an effort to encourage and promote research my Department has facilitated the NUIM access to the data from the Jobseeker’s Longitudinal Database in order to undertake this research. Initial results of the research were published as a working paper in April 2017 and this is available on the NUIM website.
Under Pathways to Work 2016-2020, my Department is committed to review and report on the impact of the reduced payment rates for jobseekers aged 18 to 25. This review will be finalised this year, and will take account of the results of the NUIM research.
Should a young jobseeker on a reduced jobseeker’s allowance payment participate on an education or training programme they receive a higher weekly payment of €160, which is increasing to €193 per week from September 2017. With effect from March 2017, rates of jobseeker’s payments were increased for claimants of all ages as a result of measures I introduced in Budget 2017.
I am committed to ensuring my Department identifies effective measures to incentivise and support young people in finding and securing sustainable jobs. The best way to do this is through engagement processes and by incentivising them to avail of educational and training opportunities, thereby enhancing their employment prospects.
