Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for bringing this matter before the House. I am responding to him on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Burton. The €100 rate of jobseeker's allowance was introduced for claimants under the age of 20 in April 2009. This rate was applied to claimants up to the age of 21 from December 2009. A rate of €144 applies to claimants between the ages of 22 and 24. The measures that encourage young jobseekers to improve their skills and remain active in the labour market in order to avoid the risk of becoming long-term unemployed will help them to progress into sustainable employment on a long-term basis. A higher rate of €160 applies if a person who is in receipt of a rate of jobseeker's allowance as described above is participating in a course of education or training.

I understand the Deputy has been contacted with regard to these measures by Focus Ireland. The Minister for Social Protection met representatives of Focus Ireland on 15 May last to discuss a number of issues relating to homelessness, including the situation of young people who receive the reduced rates of jobseeker's or supplementary welfare allowance. Officials are in ongoing contact with the organisation with regard to its concerns. While the primary issue in this regard relates to housing rather than income support, the Department of Social Protection has an important role in the delivery of solutions to homelessness. Generally, this role relates to income maintenance where homeless people have entitlements to the full range of social welfare schemes subject to the normal qualifying conditions. The Department also engages in interagency responses to homelessness. In this context, it will continue to engage with Focus Ireland and other groups on issues relating to reduced rate payments. I am informed by the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, that €17 million was spent on the after-care of young people last year.

See this speech in context