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Social Welfare Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021

Thursday, 7 October 2021

Questions (10)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

10. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing the reduced rate of jobseeker’s allowance for persons under 26 years of age who are residing in their familial home considering the challenges the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing housing crisis which have given rise to an increase in the number of young persons living at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48618/21]

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Written answers

In August 2021, the rate of unemployment for young people under 25 was just under 26% when using the Central Statistic's Office Covid-19 adjusted measure. Although this rate is high, it includes all those young people on PUP which, in August, included students - many of whom would not be considered unemployed as that term is commonly understood. Even allowing for their inclusion, the Covid adjusted youth unemployment rate has fallen sharply from its 2021 peak of 61% in January. This rate is expected to fall further in the October unemployment estimates as students, previously in receipt of PUP, will no longer be included in the estimate. In addition, following the continued reopening of our society, the number of young persons on PUP has declined significantly, falling to just under 10,400 this week. I expect this trend to continue as the final restrictions are eased.These trends show that young people are among the most resilient groups in society and, once the opportunities are available, youth employment recovers very quickly.The current approach to rates of payment for young Jobseekers allowance recipients was introduced in 2009 to encourage young unemployed people to participate in employment, education and training programmes. Although the basic rate is €112.70 per week for young people up to and including 24 year olds, it increases to the standard rate of €203 if a young jobseeker participates on an education or training programme. Where they participate on the new Work Placement Experience Programme, their weekly rate is increased to €306. There are many opportunities for young unemployed people - the Department has introduced a series of targeted measures under the Pathways to Work strategy targeted at young people including ring-fencing 4,000 places on the Work Placement Experience Programme and providing 50,000 additional further education and training places.I trust this clarifies my position.

Question No. 11 answered orally.
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