A PROPOSED youth guarantee scheme could have a major effect on employment across the Southside, Dublin MEP Emer Costello said last week.
Speaking following a visit to Nutgrove Youth Centre and schools in Churchtown and Dundrum, Deputy Costello, who is a member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said the scheme could be the key to tackling youth unemployment.
“The proposed European Youth Guarantee could have a transformative effect on areas such as Nutgrove and Dundrum, that is areas which have unacceptably high levels of youth unemployment,
? Deputy Costello said.
Deputy Costello explained that the Youth Guarantee will work with local services to ensure that every young person is offered employment, education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months on becoming unemployed or leaving full-time education.
“During my visit to Nutgrove Youth Centre, Manager Enda O Dwyer clearly outlined the extent of support which is necessary to treat at risk groups on the Southside,
? Deputy Costello added.
“The Youth Guarantee would assist such services by working with them to help young people to find employment or further education and training.
“Dundrum Rathdown Youth Service also covers centres in Ballyogen and Sandyford, and is a key community service on the Southside.
“Nutgrove also operates an innovative mobile youth centre, offering youth services on demand across the community.
“We need more effective action, particularly at European level, to tackle youth unemployment,
? Deputy Costello added.
“We need to mobilise and add to the e6 billion agreed by EU leaders to implement Youth Guarantee schemes for young people, and re-programme existing EU funds such as the European Social Fund with the aim of reducing youth unemployment, particularly in black spots such as in many parts of Dublin.
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