Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1098. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a disparity in the rate of social protection payments available to adult Ukrainian refugees based on age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29378/22]
View answerAge-related rates for young Jobseekers Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance recipients, were introduced on a phased basis from 2009 to tackle high youth unemployment and avoid long term welfare dependency.
Young people on lower rates of jobseeker payments can avail of the full adult rate if they participate on any of the large range of education, training or employment programmes available through Intreo and the Education Training Boards. This payment structure was deliberately designed to give young jobseekers a strong financial incentive to engage in education and training or to take up employment. In this way the State is seeking to address the issue raised in the EU and elsewhere of the so called NEETS - young people who are Not in Employment, Education or Training.
Ultimately it is through engaging in education, training or employment programmes that young people can improve their employment prospects. This approach is not unique to Ireland: a number of other countries have similarly reduced unemployment payments for young jobseekers.
Age-related Jobseekers Allowance rates do not apply to those who have dependent children, those transferring directly to JA from disability allowance, individuals aged 18-24 years who were in the care of the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) during the period of 12 months before they reached the age of 18 and those who are living independently of the family home and are in receipt of qualifying state housing supports such as rent supplement or the housing assistance payment.
The Temporary Protection Directive for those who are fleeing the war in Ukraine provides access to Social Protection under the same criteria as Irish citizens.
I trust this clarifies the position.
