Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
1039. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of increasing the jobseeker's allowance for those young persons under 25 years of age who are currently on the weekly rate of €112.70 by €45.15 per week to €157.85; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11604/20]
View answerThe 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.
