Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
371 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated cost of youth unemployment to society in terms of taxes foregone, lost output and welfare benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20509/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Department of Finance that it is not possible to provide details of taxes forgone in respect of a particular age cohort, as all individuals under 65 years of age in the same circumstances are taxed at the same rate.
It has previously been estimated that each person who is unemployed costs the State approximately €20,000 per annum in terms of social welfare payments and tax and PRSI forgone. It should be borne in mind, however, that Jobseekers payments vary depending on personal circumstances, the individual's PRSI contribution record and by age category in relation to Jobseekers Allowance for those under 25 years of age.
The latest Quarterly National Household Survey, for the fourth Quarter of 2011, indicates that 59,700 people between the ages of 15 and 24 were unemployed. The Government is responding to the issue of youth unemployment through the measures outlined its labour market initiative, Pathways to Work, which includes various training, education and work experience measures delivered by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection.
