Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1157. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of the full rate of jobseekers' allowance of €208 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30943/22]
View answer1158. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of the lower rate of jobseekers' allowance of €117.70 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30944/22]
View answer1159. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of a rate of a Jobseekers' allowance other than €117.70 and €208 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30945/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1157, 1158 and 1159 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below. Note that these figures refer to all recipients under 25 who are on Jobseeker's Allowance as of 05 June 2022.
|
|
Payment Rate of €117.70 |
Payment Rate of €208 |
Other Payment Rates |
|
Number of Recipients |
10,585 |
789 |
2,628 |
Age related rates for Jobseeker's Allowance recipients were introduced on a phased basis from 2009 to tackle high youth unemployment and avoid long term welfare dependency. Where a young jobseeker participates in an approved full-time education or training course they will receive the maximum rate of payment. The measure aims to protect young people from long term welfare dependency by providing them with a strong financial incentive to engage in education or training which would assist them to obtain sustainable full time employment.
Age related Jobseeker's Allowance rates do not apply to those who have dependent children, those transferring directly to Jobseeker's Allowance 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.
