Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
950. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the specific measures she is considering to support those under 25 years of age that have been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7483/20]
View answerIn these unprecedented times, my Department has put emergency measures in place to meet the surge in unemployment which has affected so many people, including those under 25 years. The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced as a time-limited, emergency income support measure which is paid at a flat rate of €350 per week to people of working age from 18 and up to 66 years old who were employed immediately before the 13th March and as a result of the pandemic have lost their employment and income.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners provides the payment of support to employers who pay PAYE Income tax in respect of eligible employees where the employer’s business has experienced significant disruption due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Enhancements were announced to this scheme which included an increase in the subsidy paid in respect of workers earning less than €24,400 from 70% to 85% and a provision whereby employers can top-up salaries by more than 15% in order to ensure that low paid employees, many of whom are aged under 25, will receive €350 per week.
Any arrangements for the continuation or further adjustment of these emergency supports will be considered by Government as part of its broad based approach to management of the emergency across all sectors of the economy and society.
Where a person is not eligible to receive the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or wage subsidy scheme they can apply for a jobseekers payment. The jobseeker’s benefit scheme provides a social insurance contribution-based support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. If a person does not meet the qualifying conditions of the scheme or where their benefit exhausts they may be eligible to apply for the means tested jobseeker’s allowance scheme.
The maximum weekly personal rate for both the jobseekers schemes is €203. An age related reduced jobseeker’s allowance rate of €112.70 generally applies to young jobseekers aged 18-24 to incentivise them to engage in education or training to improve their chances of obtaining full time sustainable employment. If a young jobseeker participates in education or training they can receive the maximum weekly rate of up to €203.
The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) is a work experience placement programme which is specifically targeted at young jobseekers aged 18-24 years of age who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. This scheme continues to be available despite the current restrictions of movement and arrangements for social distancing. Young jobseekers who participate in this scheme receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.
