Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1138. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of restoring young persons under 25 years of age on the reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance to the full rate of €203 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9395/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn age related jobseeker’s allowance rate of €112.70 generally applies to young jobseekers aged 18-24 to incentivise them to engage in education or training to improve their chances of obtaining full time sustainable employment. If a young jobseeker participates in education or training they can receive the maximum weekly personal rate of up to €203. The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) is a work experience placement programme which is specifically targeted at young jobseekers aged 18-24 years of age who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. This scheme continues to be available despite the current restrictions of movement and arrangements for social distancing. Young jobseekers who participate in this scheme receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20.
Reduced rates do not apply to all young people under 25 including those with a qualified child and those who were in the care of the Child and Family Agency, or TUSLA, during the 12 months before they reached 18. In Budget 2020 I increased the rate of jobseekers allowance for 18-24 year olds who are living independently and in receipt of State housing supports including rent supplement and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The full year cost of restoring young persons under 25 years of age on the reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance, based on existing recipients, to the rate of €203 per week would be approximately €66 million.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
