Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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724. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the introduction of the YESS scheme; the criteria of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37168/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The introduction of a new Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was announced as part of Budget 2018 and it will be launched in the coming weeks.

The scheme will be targeted at jobseekers aged 18-24 years of age who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment, and who are in receipt of certain qualifying payments. The scheme will aim to provide jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. The scheme will provide a supportive structure for participants, including case officer support for both placement hosts and jobseekers. Participation on YESS will be wholly voluntary for both jobseekers and placement hosts.

The scheme will be open to jobseekers and other eligible cohorts who are aged between 18 and 24 and have been out of work and in receipt of a qualifying payment for at least 12 months, or if unemployed for less than 12 months, be considered by a case officer to face a significant barrier to work.