92. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to tackle youth unemployment. [66583/26]

The seasonally adjusted youth unemployment rate in August was 12.3%.  This is down from a revised rate of 12.4% in July, and from 12.6% in August last year.

Youth unemployment is highly seasonal and volatile, and is generally expected to increase over the summer months.  This volatility is demonstrated in the typical rise in youth unemployment seen in quarter 2 and quarter 3, followed by a reduction in quarter 4.  This trend reflects the increased number of young people entering the labour market and looking for work over the summer months coinciding with the break in the academic year.

The Government’s commitment to supporting young people in finding and sustaining employment is underpinned by the Reinforced Youth Guarantee, which was approved by the European Social Council in 2020, and states that young people should receive a quality offer of employment, education, apprenticeship or training within four months of becoming unemployed.

Under the previous Pathways to Work strategy, the engagement model for young jobseekers was reviewed and strengthened.  This was carried out to address and prevent the potential scarring effects resulting from prolonged periods of labour market detachment.  Young jobseekers screened to be at a high risk of long-term unemployment receive intensified support from Job Coaches and EPAs, including more frequent interviews.

Young people benefit from reduced eligibility requirements for a number of employment support schemes.  JobsPlus, a recruitment subsidy for employers of up to €10,000 to hire an unemployed person, is co-funded by the EU for jobseekers under 30.  Under-30s need only be in receipt of a qualifying payment for 4 months to become eligible for the standard rate of JobsPlus.

The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) was designed to support jobseekers and break the cycle of “no work, no experience” by providing 6-month work placements of 30 hours per week.  Participants gain valuable on-the-job experience and complete 60 hours of training, including 20 hours of accredited or sector-specific training.  This keeps young jobseekers close to the labour market and aims to prevent scarring effects from long-term unemployment.  Under-30s also require only 4 months in receipt of a qualifying payment before becoming eligible for WPEP.

My Department works closely with employers to support the hiring of young jobseekers and promotes the uptake of supports like JobsPlus and the use of the JobsIreland vacancy platform.  In addition, the Employment and Youth Engagement Charter was launched by the Department in 2024.  Employers who sign up to the Charter pledge to support young jobseekers by taking part in activities such as mentoring, CV assistance, or attending information sessions on hiring young jobseekers through Intreo.  To date, over 300 employers have signed up to the Charter.

My Department is currently drafting the successor strategy to Pathways to Work, the national employment services strategy.  The finalisation of the strategy is now at an advanced stage.  It has been informed by the wide-ranging public consultation process held last year that involved civil society groups, employers, and unions, and individual young jobseekers.  The strategy will recognise the labour market challenges facing certain cohorts, including young people, despite broader positive employment developments.  It will focus on ensuring those facing additional barriers to work are supported to find and sustain employment. It is expected to be published in the coming weeks.