Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
799. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age on the youth employment support scheme; the funding allocated to support young persons under 25 years of age on the scheme in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11646/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was introduced on 1st October 2018. YESS is targeted at young jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment.
The scheme aims to provide jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. YESS will provide a supportive structure for participants, including case worker support for both placement hosts and jobseekers.
Since the scheme's inception, a total of 797 people have commenced a placement, while in 2020 to date, a total of 152 young people started on the YESS. The COVID-19 situation has impacted significantly on the scheme and as a result, a total of 149 YESS placements were temporarily suspended. Of these, 36 have recommenced in recent weeks, while it is anticipated that many more will also re-start as each phase of the current Government restrictions are lifted.
As the economy reopens and activation services to jobseekers increase it is planned to increase the use of the scheme to provide valuable work experience and training to young people who have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.
A budget of €3.35million has been allocated to the YESS for 2020.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
