Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
775. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of restoring jobseeker’s allowance rates for those under 25 years of age to the full adult rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22580/20]
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.
Where a young jobseeker participates in education or training they can receive the maximum weekly personal rate of €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. Young jobseekers who participate in this scheme receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20. The Youth Employment Support Scheme continues to be available despite the current restrictions of movement and arrangements for social distancing.
Reduced rates do not apply to all young people under 25. Those rates do not apply, for instance, to 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, the Government provided also for the payment of the full 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 full adult rate would be approximately €80 million.
