John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

637. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received from employers and from young persons under the new youth employment support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42315/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was introduced on 1 October 2018. YESS is targeted at young jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. The scheme aims 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 worker support for both Placement Hosts and jobseekers.

To date, a total of 35 YESS placements have been advertised on JobsIreland.ie. Jobseekers are advised to contact a case officer at their local Intreo centre in order to express their interest, at which point their eligibility for the scheme is determined. While the numbers expressing an interest is not recorded on my Department's systems, figures on actual placements will become available in due course.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the deputy.