Under the measure, a penalty of €46 will be applied to a person's headline rate of jobseeker's allowance or supplementary welfare allowance if he or she refuses or fails to avail of a suitable activation measure. Penalty rates of €35 and €25, respectively, will apply in the case of younger job-seekers already on reduced rates of €150 and €100 per week. The application of this measure to those under 25 may appear harsh. However, clear evidence is emerging that the reduced rates have been successful in providing an incentive for young people to take up training and education. I want to ensure that the small but significant cohort who refuse these opportunities cannot continue to remain outside the activation process. It is essential that these young people avail of training and employment opportunities; therefore, we are increasing the financial incentive for them to do so.

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