Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost in the first year and the full year cost of a proposal (details supplied). [17144/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was introduced on Monday 1^stOctober 2018 and has been open to applications from that date.

The YESS is a work experience programme, specifically targeted at young jobseekers, but also other eligible cohorts, aged 18-24 years old where they have been out of work and in receipt of qualifying payment for at least 12 months.  Clients in that age cohort who face significant barriers to employment are also eligible.In this context the scheme is specifically targeted at those young people who are not in employment, education or training and aims to provide participants with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. 

In  considering eligibility for the scheme the Department's Case Officers would be supportive of any young person wishing to participate in the scheme.If there are any instances where a young client has been refused approval to participate on the basis of eligibility, the Deputy may wish to make me aware of the case so that it can be reviewed.

A budget of €5 million has been allocated to the YESS for 2019. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.