Vol. 494 No. 4
363 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs whether there is any correlation between the levels of unemployment among the young homeless and the uptake of benefits such as invalidity and sickness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18396/98]
I am not aware of any research linking the levels of unemployment among young homeless people with the levels of take-up of either the disability benefit or invalidity pension schemes. Because of the PRSI contribution conditions which attach to both schemes and the fact that PRSI contributions are only payable from age 16 years onwards, it is unlikely that young homeless people would qualify for either disability benefit or invalidity pension.
