Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Those who are under the age of 25 normally receive a reduced rate of jobseeker's allowance. However, those who are deemed to be living independently receive the full amount of €203 as opposed to €112.70. Those who are deemed to be living independently would include those who access the housing assistance payment, HAP, the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, council housing and so on. It has come to my attention recently that young people under the age of 25 who are homeless do not receive the full amount. They receive the reduced amount. It would seem to me that if someone is homeless, by definition they do not have parental supports. It is wrong and unjust. Homeless young people should be entitled to the full jobseeker's allowance rather than the reduced rate. I believe all young people should be but there is a particular case here. We are debating the Social Welfare Bill this week. I would be interested in the Minister's comment on this. Would she agree with me that this is an injustice towards young homeless people and something that should be corrected?

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