Seán Sherlock
Question:761. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of providing jobseeker's payments to under-25s at the same adult rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36777/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 July 2023
Questions (761)
Written answers
The full year cost of increasing the full personal rate of Jobseeker's Allowance to those who are on the age-related reduced rate is approximately €46 million. This is based on the current number of recipients and rates of payment.
Supporting and improving the capacity of people to take up employment, education and training opportunities can enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income to support themselves and their families into the future. If a young person participates in training or education, they will receive the higher rate of payment. If they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme, their weekly rate increases to €323, which exceeds the standard weekly rate of €220.
The Pathways to Work strategy contains provision for 50,000 additional further education and training places and the allocation of at least 1,000 out of the 3,000 new Community Employment and Tús places for young people. Work is ongoing to promote Community Employment to young people and to ensure places are filled by them. Additional places have also been provided on the JobsPlus recruitment incentive scheme, with the subsidy being available on an earlier basis than normal to employers when they recruit young people.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.