I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 856 together.
The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was introduced on 1st October 2018 and has been open to applications since that date.
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. The scheme 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 820 people have commenced a placement, while there are currently 120 participants on the YESS. To date, a total of 705 employers have provided YESS placements.
The type of work experience undertaken by participants involves roles across a number of different sectors including - community and voluntary, hospitality and food, ICT and telecoms, manufacturing, retail, sales and marketing, science and healthcare and construction.
The total expenditure on the YESS from 2018 to date is €3,095,371
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.