Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2018
291. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the person or organisations which her Department has met or consulted with regarding the introduction of the youth employment support scheme since its announcement in budget 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13455/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was announced as part of Budget 2018, and it will be open for applications from June.
YESS is targeted at young people aged 18 to 24 who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. It aims to provide them with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement.
Prior to the Budget announcement of YESS, officials from my Department met with various stakeholder groups in late 2016 and early 2017 to discuss the draft design principles for the new scheme and to reflect on any issues raised by these groups. The stakeholders involved in this discussion process included Trade Union representatives, as well as Jobseeker and Employer representative groups.
Following the announcement of YESS as part of Budget 2018, my officials have held a number of follow-up meetings with Jobseeker representative groups, including the INOU and Focus Ireland. They have also met with officials from other Government Departments and Solas.
I trust that this clarified the matter for the Deputy.
