Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
532. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost in 2021 if the budget for the youth employment support scheme increased by 20%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14538/20]
View answerThe Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was introduced on 1st October 2018. YESS is targeted at young jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. The scheme aims to provide jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. YESS will provide a supportive structure for participants, including case worker support for both placement hosts and jobseekers.
Since the scheme's inception, a total of 797 people have commenced a placement, while in 2020 to date, a total of 152 young people started on the YESS. The COVID-19 pandemic emergency has impacted significantly on the scheme and as a result, a total of 149 YESS placements were temporarily suspended. Of these, 64 have recommenced in recent weeks, while it is anticipated that more will also re-start as each phase of the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Staff engagement with potential jobseekers recommenced recently to re-start recruitment to the scheme.
A budget of €3.35million has been allocated to the YESS for 2020. An increase in the budget of 20% would amount to €4.02m. The funding available to date has not been a barrier to participation and additional funding of itself will not be the only driver to grow the take up of YESS placements. The scheme is built around the voluntary engagement of participants and host organisations. A critical element is that the participant has an interest in developing a career in a particular role or sector and that they can be matched with a host who is willing and able to provide a placement including that they have the capacity to provide time, support and training for the participant. The availability of good matches between participants and hosts locally has also been a driver for take up of the scheme.
As the economy reopens and activation services to jobseekers increase it is planned to increase the use of the scheme to provide valuable work experience and training to young people who have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Any necessary changes will be considered as part of the July Jobs Initiative and broader national plans for economic recovery.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
