Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
76. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to introduce employment activation measures targeted at young persons that are long-term unemployed or that face barriers to employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8404/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish youth unemployment has fallen from a peak of 31.2% in 2012 to 13.7% in January 2018. Irish youth unemployment has thus fallen from well above the EU average in 2012 (23%) to well below the current figure EU figure of 19.1%. The long-term unemployment rate for young people has fallen from over 15% at peak to below 4% in the third quarter of 2017. Youth unemployment figures can be expected to fall further this year in line with the continuing forecast fall in overall unemployment. Additionally, Ireland is on course to bring youth unemployment below 12% and long-term unemployment below 2.5% in accordance with Pathways to Work targets for 2020.
Under the Youth Guarantee process case officers engage with unemployed young people, on a monthly basis, to prepare and implement personal progression plans for employment. Where young people do not find work quickly, additional supports are offered through places on employment and training schemes.
As part of this range of opportunities, later this year I will be introducing a new work experience programme targeted exclusively at young jobseekers who are long-term unemployed and face a significant barrier to gaining employment.
The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) will provide young jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. Young people, like other groups, vary in terms of skills, aptitude and background so will be offered a wide variety of work experience options to meet their particular needs while enhancing their employment prospects. A Learning and Development Plan will be at the core of each placement, and progress will be supported and monitored by a case worker on an ongoing basis.
The scheme will complement and sit alongside other opportunities developed by the Department of Education and Skills, such as the new Career Traineeships and Apprenticeships, and will broaden the options available to young people. It will be open to employers across the private, community and voluntary sectors who meet the eligibility criteria. Public sector organisations will not be included. Host Organisations will complete an assessment for the participant at the end of the placement. Employers will be encouraged to hire participants who have performed well, and will qualify for a financial subsidy under JobsPlus Youth.
The qualifying payments are Jobseekers’ Payments, One Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker Transition Payment, Disability Allowance, Blind Person’s Pension or Supplementary Welfare Allowance. In some cases, candidates who have been in receipt of a payment for less than 12 months, but who are considered by a case worker to face significant barriers to work will be granted access to the scheme.
Operational details are currently being finalised and I hope to launch the Scheme in Q.2, 2018. I am confident that these planned measures, together with the continuing strong performance of the economy, will support further reductions in long term and youth unemployment.
