Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
19. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will equalise rates of jobseeker's allowance for young people so that age is no longer a factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31415/26]
View answerAge-related rates apply to jobseekers aged 18 to 24 years in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance. Exemptions apply to those with dependent children; those who were previously in the care of Tusla or living independently; and those in receipt of state housing supports, such as the Housing Assistance Payment. Age-related rates do not apply to the PRSI-based schemes, Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit.
At the 31 March 2026, there are 12,176 people on the age related Jobseeker's Allowance rate of €163.70.
It is important to note that where a young jobseeker participates in any of the many education or training programmes or any of the available employment programmes, including for example CE and Tús their payment is uprated up to the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance of €254. If they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme the weekly rate actually increases up to €369. There is ready availability of these places on all of these programmes. I believe this is a reasonable approach that encourages young unemployed people to engage with the State services that are available to them to improve their employment prospects.
Accordingly, my priority is to give young people the best possible chance to participate in the labour market rather than adjusting payment rates. Supporting young people to take up employment, education and training opportunities can enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income to support themselves and their families into the future. I believe this is the correct approach to help improve the long-term prospects and wellbeing of young people.
My Department is currently working on the successor to the previous Pathways to Work strategy. As part of this strategy, I am determined to ensure that young people will continue to be prioritised through education, training and employment supports.
The current approach strikes the right balance in supporting young people into employment, and I have no plans to change the rates for young jobseekers at this time.
