Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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94. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to allow for an increase in payments under the jobseeker's allowance scheme for those under 25 years of age who may be at risk of homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40141/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. The Revised 2015 Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseekers’ schemes of €3.01 billion.

In line with other EU and OECD jurisdictions reduced rates for jobseeker’s allowance recipients were first introduced in 2009 and further extended in 2014.

Reduced rates for those under 26 years of age is a targeted measure aimed at protecting young people from welfare dependency. If a young person does not improve their skills, it will be much more difficult for them to avail of job opportunities as the economy recovers and they are at risk of becoming long term unemployed from a young age. The measure aims to incentivise young jobseeker’s allowance recipients to avail of education and training opportunities. If a jobseeker in receipt of the reduced jobseeker’s allowance rate participates on an education or training programme they will receive a higher weekly payment of €160.

The reduced rates do not apply to persons aged under 25 who were in the care of the State during the year prior to their 18th birthday. The Department actively engages with Tusla and non-Government organisations in providing the necessary support to vulnerable young people leaving care who are experiencing homelessness or are in insecure situations. These cases are managed on a case by case basis and the payment of deposits and rent in advance is considered. This form of assistance is very important to those on low incomes who are at risk of, or who are homeless, or who rely on the private rented market to meet their housing needs.

Any change to the reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance for people under 26 would involve a significant cost and as such is a matter for Government to consider in a budgetary context.