Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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361. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30713/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to entitlement to a jobseeker’s scheme by persons who have completed a Youthreach programme. Youthreach is a programme directed at unemployed young early school leavers aged 15-20. It offers participants the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life, and provides them with opportunities to acquire certification.

The jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative employment. The revised estimates for the Department of Social Protection provide for expenditure of €3.3bn in 2014 in respect of the jobseeker’s schemes.

Legislation provides that persons shall not be entitled to receive a jobseeker’s payment for 3 months immediately following their completion, or leaving, of second level education, or the completion of the leaving certificate examination of the Department of Education and Skills, including a Youthreach programme.

If such provision did not apply, a draw to the programme could potentially be created, with students dropping out of regular education to access Youthreach.

Periods spent on Youthreach count towards the qualifying period for Back to Education Allowance provided the person establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment either prior to or after completion of the Youthreach programme.