2002. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of providing jobseeker's payments to under 25s at the same adult rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56692/26]

Age-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.

My priority is to give young people the best possible chance to participate in the labour market through employment, education and training opportunities which will 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.

Where a young jobseeker participates in any of the many education or training programmes or any of the available employment programmes, including for example Community Employment 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 increases up to €369.

As of 30 June 2026, there are approximately 13,034 people on a reduced rate of €163.70.

The estimated full-year cost of increasing the age-related jobseeker’s rate of €163.70 to equalise the rate with the standard Jobseeker’s Allowance full personal rate of €254 is approximately €61.2 million, based on the 2026 payment rates and the current number of recipients.