Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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331. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the Moving On proposal from Focus Ireland to address unnecessary youth homelessness; if her Department will lead a network of relevant agencies to construct an activation package of education, training and support for young people in emergency accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22260/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The €100 rate of jobseeker’s allowance was introduced for claimants aged under 20 in April 2009, and this rate was applied to claimants aged up to 21 from December 2009. A rate of €144 applies to claimants aged 22-24.

The measures 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 and will help them to progress into sustainable employment on a long-term basis. Where a person is in receipt of a rate of jobseeker's allowance described above and he or she participates in a course of education or training a higher rate of €160 applies. Where they participate on a Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme or the Tús scheme a rate of €208 applies.

My officials are in on going contact with Focus Ireland in relation to their concerns and proposals in this area.

More generally, the Deputy may wish to note that the Department’s role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance. Under the social welfare system, homeless people have entitlements to the full range of social welfare schemes, including supplementary welfare allowance and associated supplements, subject to the normal qualifying conditions.