Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:402. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the current young jobseeker’s rate of €129.70 by €1 per week. [22801/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 May 2024
Ceisteanna (402)
Freagraí scríofa
Age-related reduced rates apply to jobseekers aged 18 to 24 years and were introduced to prevent long-term welfare dependency by encouraging participation in training and employment programmes.
Budget 2024 increased the maximum personal rate for a young adult to €141.70 per week from January 2024.
There were 9,345 jobseekers on age related reduced rates in April 2024. The estimated full-year cost of increasing the current reduced jobseeker’s rate by €1 per week is approximately €485,940 based on the current number of recipients.
The Department's focus is on supporting and improving the capacity of young people to take up employment, education and training opportunities to help them enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income. If a young jobseeker participates in education or training, they receive up to the full rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance of €232. If they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme the weekly rate increases to €335.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.