Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider any measures to alleviate the impact of cuts to social welfare brought in by the previous Government; if she will explain the process through which social welfare payments for 22 to 24 year olds are sometimes below €144 and those for 18 to 21 year olds are below €100; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10473/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The challenge for this new Government is unlike any faced before. The priority of this Government is to get our economy moving, restore confidence, fix our banking system and support the protection and creation of jobs. The success of our economic plans will lay the foundation for the rest of our agenda for change and the jobs initiative being announced today is the first step in this regard. Sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for economic stability and growth. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. We believe it is appropriate, in order to enhance international credibility, to stick to the aggregate adjustment as set out in the National Recovery Plan for the combined period 2011- 2012.

Accordingly, the appropriate levels of social welfare rates will be considered in the context of Budget 2012. This Government is committed to tackling Ireland's economic crisis in a way that is fair, balanced, and which recognises the need for social solidarity. In this regard, it is important to note that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to maintain social welfare rates.

Jobseeker's Allowance is a means tested social assistance scheme. The maximum personal weekly rate of jobseeker's allowance is €188 per week. The maximum weekly personal rates applicable to certain persons aged under 25 is lower. For those aged 18 to 21 years of age, the maximum personal rate is €100 per week while the rate applicable to those aged 22 to 24, inclusive, is €144. These reduced rates do not apply to people aged under 25 if they have dependent children or if they are participating in a course of education, training or community employment, nor do they apply to people transferring to jobseeker's allowance from jobseeker's benefit or disability allowance.

The weekly rate of jobseeker's allowance payable is the relevant maximum weekly rate less any means assessed. For means test purposes, account is taken of the income and assets of both the claimant and his or her spouse/partner. In addition, n the case of a single claimant aged under 25 years of age, account is taken of the value of any benefit and privilege enjoyed by that person by virtue of residing with a parent or step-parent. Accordingly, where the rate payable to a jobseeker's allowance recipient is less than the relevant maximum weekly rate, be it €188, €144 or €100 per week, it is the means assessed in the individual case which reduces the amount payable.